Children and Youth Religious Exploration families are collecting and distributing goods all month to help our neighbors in need. UUSM CYRE is proud to partner with charitable organizations serving the local community. The People Concern is our Lunches for Bunches partner, and Didi Hirsh Mental Health Services and Defy Ventures (which serves the recently decarcerated) have meaningful connections to individual congregants. Through values-based discussions and activities, our youth will explore
- What is it like to be in need?
- How does it feel when you offer a helping hand?
- Can we ask others to join in giving wholeheartedly?
Donations are already coming in from CYRE families, but we need your help! Who remembers “Undie Sunday”?
Hygiene kits
For The People Concern, the kids will assemble hygiene kits containing new, unused personal items to be distributed to our unhoused neighbors.
- Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
- Travel-size bodywash (or combo shampoo and bodywash)
- Travel-size antiperspirant/deodorant
- Lip balm
- Purse-size hand sanitizer
- Travel-size hand or body lotion
- Sample-size sunscreen
- Toothbrushes
- Travel-size toothpaste
- Individually wrapped razors
- Disposable body wipes for adults
- Pocket combs
- Pocket tissues
- Individually wrapped tampons and pads, and condoms
Please scrounge through your cabinets for unused lotion or shampoo from your last hotel stay, or ask your bff the dental hygienist. We’re hoping to assemble 50 complete hygiene kits, but any surplus items will be most gratefully received.
Drop off donations to UUSM with the Rev. Amelia Mu’mina Marie; she’s on campus on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sunday mornings.
If you’re purchasing items, The People Concern posted a great Amazon Wishlist, or feel free to make a monetary donation. (When donating online choose the Other category and note “FIA Children & Youth.” When texting, use code “OTR.”)
Undie Sunday!
Didi Hirsh needs new, unused socks and underwear for adult clients in crisis and those turning things around. Men’s and women’s, all sizes welcome. Again, see what you might have in your own abundance, consult the Wishlist, or make a monetary donation. Consider adding some disposable incontinence underwear; it will be received most gratefully. We’ll be collecting all month.
Returning to work
This is our first time partnering with Defy Ventures. Their entrepreneurial programs mentor and support recently decarcerated individuals in developing skills, connections, and confidence. Defy has requested new and gently used work clothes, both durable workwear and business attire, to help clients enter the workforce.
It’s time to clean out those closets and give those seldom-worn items a second life. It can be cathartic and lightening, especially knowing these items will benefit someone else.
A teachable moment
Drop by the Cottage one Sunday this month and see what it’s all about. We’ll be adding loving messages and drawings to the hygiene kits, and you’re welcome to add yours.
The Youth RE Committee encourages you to give generously and support our youth as they discover that respecting the inherent worth and dignity of every person is a communal responsibility. And that the joy of sharing our abundance is its own reward.
