Congregations Around Richmond Involved To Assure Shelter (CARITAS). One of the CARITAS programs is the Single Adult Emergency shelter program, a winter cots program serving homeless in the Richmond area. Churches and other organizations in the greater Richmond area open their doors to provide shelter to homeless individuals. Since many of the overnight shelters are in the suburban areas, guests gather at downtown churches (intake centers) and are bussed from there to the overnight location. First English assists with the intake process at St. John United Church of Christ. The job is simple: help prepare, set out and serve snacks, coffee and hot chocolate; greet guests; and make the guests feel welcome as they await transportation to their church shelter for the night.
Thanks to all who helped during the 2006-2007 winter season. Look for new dates as the 2007-2008 winter season approaches.
The CARITAS Family Focus program, is a year-round program available for families with children. Please call 340-0817 for information about this program.
Periodically, First English members volunteer to prepare and serve a Sunday noontime meal to those in need at Freedom House’s new Conrad Center (1400
Oliver Hill Way) downtown. We need people to prepare the food and bring it to the kitchen at First English the Friday before that Sunday. If you can prepare food but
can't get it to church on Friday contact Jeff Nelson to make other arrangements. Volunteers are also needed to serve the meal.
Sign-up sheets for those preparing food (baked spaghetti (recipe provided), bread, and cake) and volunteers to serve the food are posted on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary, a few weeks before FELCs scheduled Sunday. Large pans for the
spaghetti are available in the church's kitchen Contact Jeff Nelson (550-2616) if you have any questions.
Project Linus - Providing Security Through Blankets
We need new, handmade, washable blankets for preemies through early teens. They can be knitted, quilted, crocheted, fleece, sewn, etc. They should be child friendly colors and patterns. The ideal size is 36" x 36" or 40" x 60".
Patterns are available for knitted, crocheted, quilted, or fleece blankets, or you can create your own. Perhaps you have a daughter or granddaughter, who would like to learn to knit or crochet. If needlework is not your forte, you can still help by saving discount coupons from Michael’s Craft Store inserts found in every Sunday Richmond Times Dispatch. Coupons may be dropped of in a box in the church office.
Twelve new handmade blankets from First English were delivered in August. That makes a total of 23 that our church women have made with loving hands. More blankets are always needed!
For more information, instructions, or assistance, please call Jackie Rowland at 741-2235.
If you have prescription eyeglasses you are no longer wearing, you can donate them to someone in need. Your simple donation can help someone see a whole lot better. Just place them in the basket in the church office. If you have questions, contact Erin Nelson.
Food Collection
Food collections are made on the First Sunday of each month. Food goes to replenish the food shelves at William Byrd Community House and the Central Virginia Food Bank. First English has a referral agreement with William Byrd Community House to assist persons who come to First English in need of food. In this time of increased need please give generously.
Some Suggested Items:
Small jar servings of Peanut Butter
Small boxes of crackers
Canned fruit of all types – pop tops are great!
Canned vegetables of all types – pop tops are great!
Dried rice and beans
Canned meats of all types – tuna, chicken, ham, etc.
