News You Can Use

For Your Church Newsletter             September 2013

From Lutheran Community Services   Prepared by Steve Tindall              

Editors: This information is prepared for church newsletter editors, secretaries and pastors. Your help in getting the word out is appreciated and will help LCS achieve its mission of “Sharing God’s blessings by helping others in need.” Comments about timing or content are welcome. Contact Steve Tindall (stindall@lcsde.org). 302 654 8886.

Home Repairs for Seniors

LCS provides modest home repairs for seniors and disabled people, paid for on a sliding scale. Recently, program director Sandy Betley received a lengthy message from a home repair recipient who had her kitchen faucet replaced, her bathroom vanity repaired, her bathroom sink unclogged, her toilet repaired so it stopped running, her bedroom door replaced and her closet door hinges replaced.  She said that home repair specialist Ray had taken “a million pounds off her back,” that he was so nice, and that she really appreciated everything we had done for her.  This client has recently come through a year of illness and is now getting back on her feet. We are glad to have helped. Support for the program is provided by Laffey-McHugh Foundation.

Hunger Walk Run Set for September 21, Rockford Park

The 22^nd Annual LCS Hunger Walk Run actually involves three events: 5k fun run, 1 mile walk in the park, and the competitive 5k Youth Run Against Hunger. It’s a lot of fun; it’s also responsible for feeding thousands of hungry people in our area. As a matter of fact, it is the largest single source of funding for the LCS pantry system that served 85,000 last year. Demand has been strong for food help this year, and we are hoping for a big turnout for the Walk Run to help fund it. Pre-registration, especially if it is done electronically, helps LCS by cutting down on paperwork. Electronic registration also helps you, the registrants, raise funds because you can gather sponsors with email, Facebook, and Twitter. Register online at www.lcsde.org.

Walk Run Challenge.  The LCS Walk Run Committee is concerned, based on last year’s results which were down by 20%, that our goals for the Walk Run may not be reached. To stir up some enthusiasm, the committee issued two challenges. Number one is to the LCS board. The committee challenged the 15 member board to 100% participation. That is a mighty goal, but one that would make a difference, and it’s worth a try! Challenge number two is to the churches who participate. Understandably, participation by churches varies from year to year. Unfortunately, the majority saw falling rates of participation in 2012. To help counteract that, the Walk Run Committee challenges each church to match or exceed participation levels of its best year of the last three. If everyone did the “best of three” this year’s event will be a major success. For  your church’s goal, or for info, call Heather at 302 654 8886 x 100 or email at hteig@lcsde.org