THANK YOU to all who contributed to the June MAOD drive for St Stephen’s Shelter. Art supplies, beverages, snacks, travel size toiletry articles—all were much appreciated by St Stephen’s. (The staff who took our donations said, “We can never have enough toiletry articles!”—so keep saving some if you ever travel again!) Bonnie and Karen K appreciated how prepared you were with your donations! AND! First Christian contributed 1,000 (!) glue sticks and 1,000 (!!) 4-pack boxes of crayons to Art Buddies!
OK! So what is happening in July?
The focus this month will be twofold: thanking health care professionals and donating items to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, the church closest to the 3rd precinct police station, and Al-Maa’uun mosque in North Minneapolis.
Health Care Professionals: Even though COVID-19 hospitalizations seem to be slowing down in Minnesota, we want to remember and thank those in the health care systems who are on the front lines of caring for the patients ill with this most serious disease—perhaps now even more than ever as this disease goes on. To do that, you can write a short (or long!) note of thanks, concern, care to those people. The notes will be given to staff at Hennepin County Medical Center and Bethesda Hospital in St Paul.
- Address the note to “Staff at _______” or just begin with “Thank you”—whatever you think may be appropriate
- Remember that the doctors and nurses are working with chaplains, secretaries cleaning staff, etc so your note can be generic in thanking everyone
- Art work or an inspirational quote can be use
- End your note with your first name and First Christian Church (DOC)
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: As you are probably aware, there are currently no grocery stores left in the area where Holy Trinity is located. Holy Trinity has been giving away meals and items to hundreds of people. Here is a list of their current needs:
- Hygiene: Body shampoo; Shampoo (especially for oily hair); Hand soap; Baby wipes; Maxi pads; Dish soap (not dishwasher soap); Laundry detergent
- Paper products: Paper towels, toilet paper
- Diapers (all sizes, especially size 6 and pullups)
- Food: Gatorade, cooking oil
Majid Al-Maa’uun: This is the mosque in North Minneapolis that has been helping the neighborhood residents following the loss of stores in that area. They have a food shelf that is open once a month for area residents. Additionally, they are delivering hot meals during the COVID shutdown.
- First Aid: Tylenol; Trauma wound care; Gauze
- Health: Fixadent denture adhesive; Denture cleaner; Denture cream; Denture repair kit; Adult Pull-ups, men’s and women’s, all sizes; Hand sanitizer; Masks, Diapers size 1 and up, infants and toddlers
- Safety: Flashlights, batteries
- Food: Disposable plates and cutlery; Juice; Dry breakfast food; Sugar, Baking soda
Paper Bags for Walker Methodist:Walker Community United Methodist Church needs paper bags in which to put groceries and hot meals that they are giving out to neighborhood families. The church is located a block off Lake Street on 16th Ave S. SO-if you have extra paper bags, please let Bonnie Ford know and you can be added to the donation pick up on July 24!
Where do I deliver my donations?
Home pick up is again available! There will be ONE pick up day in July: July 24. You will again need to notify Bonnie Ford by July 23 if you have a donation to be picked up. Bonnie’s e-mail is sendtobonnie@gmail.com and her phone number is (612-810-8333) to call or text her. If you will not be home, your donation can be left on the porch for pick up.
What if I am on a beach in Florida on July 24?
First of all, get off that beach. But if you have donations, please let Bonnie know and arrangements can be made for a special pick up before the 24th.
These are the opportunities for all of July. Next month will be the last month of our new way of doing Mission at Our Doorstep so look for information about that in early August.
Your generosity has been over the top so far; you have had an impact on many people whom you will never know but who are grateful for you.
And, again, since this is a new way of doing MAOD, please give feedback about it to anyone on the Mission and Outreach Team (Pastor Laurie, Bonnie Ford, Pat Dunlop, Kirsten Cackoski, Karen Kandik.)
