|
Inter-faith Community Services News
by Frances Blizard
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
What a day! As part of the church workday on Saturday April 19th we
held a food drive at the Coal Mine Road King Soopers. To say it was
highly successful is an understatement, because it took forever to
unload all the vehicles and put everything in the food bank at
Inter-Faith Community Services. Eight people helped with this
project, and a good time was had by all. It was just one more way in
which we can help their food bank, on which so many working-poor
clients depend.
Inter-Faith, located in Sheridan, is the largest emergency and
continual support system in South Metro Denver for low-income
families, children, seniors, and the homeless. It is dedicated to
providing the services that bridge the gaps between crisis,
survival, and independence. It is probably best known for its food
bank, but one of its main goals is homeless prevention. Through
rent, mortgage, and utility assistance, plus off-site housing,
Inter-Faith is able to help families stay together.
There is so much more they do, in a way that preserves the dignity and
sense of self-worth of all their clients. All the food and clothing
that you bring to the Community Basket goes up to Inter-Faith the
next morning; also, becoming involved with their three programs that
our church has supported for years is another way you can make a big
difference in the community.
Ongoing Interfaith Activities
READY, SET, SCHOOL!
— Formerly called “Pack to School”, its goal is to outfit needy
children to return to school feeling as if they belong. A new
outfit, a backpack, school supplies and s $15 show certificate make
all the difference in a child's life, and his parents' too. Because
of our generous congregation, over EIGHTEEN children started school
last fall feeling good about themselves.
TURKEY BUCKS — For many
years Inter-Faith has distributed over 600 food baskets to its
clients and were able to include a turkey in each one, thanks to the
generosity of a local poultry company. A few years ago the company
withdrew its support, and IFCS had to buy turkeys, at a cost of
about $10 each. That was $6,000 , and they had to ask for help from
the community. That's when “Turkey Bucks” got its name.
In 2006, rather than buy turkeys for $10, Inter-Faith had a better
idea. Instead of including a twelve-pound turkey, they decided each
food basket would receive a $5.00 certificate for King Soopers. In
this way, each family could buy a turkey or anything else for its
Thanksgiving dinner. With its customary enthusiasm, our church
raised over $1,222 for Turkey Bucks! If you think I'm exaggerating,
simply go back and read the December '06 newsletter. In '07 even
more money was raised. It all says that the idea of Thanksgiving
without a turkey (or something else special) was unacceptable to our
members.
SPONSORING FAMILIES AT CHRISTMAS — Just
imagine a child waking up on Christmas morning and finding his
stocking empty. That is common in many of the families that exist
below the poverty line. What Inter-Faith has done is to ask people
(churches, businesses, civic groups) to sponsor a family. This
involves giving the homemaker food certificates (so she can plan her
own holiday meal) and two gifts to each child in the family.
It costs more to sponsor a large family than a small one; often
groups of people as well as committees will get together and choose
a large family. Last year people in our church sponsored SEVENTEEN
FAMILIES (you can check that out in the 1-07 Connection). Each year
we do better, and I hope that continues this holiday season
Our response to these special occasions is outstanding, (Inter-Faith
calls us “The Little Church That Could”) but it's just as important
to remember the everyday needs of the clients who depend on
Inter-Faith. Their Food Bank often has empty shelves, and food
drives by schools and churches and businesses are vital. In fact,
this church will be holding a food drive at the Coal Mine Road King
Soopers on Saturday, April 19, as part of COLUMBINE ACTS. Mark your
calendars.
And ... Please keep bringing donations
of clothing and contributions for the Inter-Faith Food Bank. The Worst of Winter
has not passed!
|
