News You Can Use

For Your Church Newsletter

From Lutheran Community Services      December 2015

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.

Holiday Food Drive: LCS is the proud recipient of many food drives throughout the year, but right now we are asking people participate in our 2015 Holiday Food Drive which will stock our new “choice” pantry at our headquarters at 2809 Baynard Boulevard. It’s virtually complete, and the empty shelves are ready to be filled. There are two main ways you can participate. First, by giving. We need all manner of nonperishables but especially appreciate things like tuna, canned meats, peanut butter and cereal. Another way to participate in a food drive is by having one yourself! It’s not for everyone, but some of us have a special gift for organizing and collecting for hungry people, especially during the holidays. We can help you get started. LCS will begin collecting for its Holiday Food Drive on December 4. We are open from 8 to 4. It’s best to call ahead. If you need to deliver at another time, we can make an appointment.

Pantry Volunteers Wanted: Pantry volunteers are needed at St. Stephen’s Pantry and the new “choice” pantry noted above. Call Cher Frampton at 302 654 8886 x107.

Smokers Rejoice: Kathy Swanson who manages the LCS Smoking Cessation Program collects testimonials from the people we have helped with free pharmaceutical aids. Take just one example, Melissa:  “I haven’t had a cigarette since August 6, and I thank LCS and the Quit Line for my success…I feel so much better now. My house is clean. Food tastes different and everything smells better.” What a great way to enjoy the holidays!

Rental Assistance: Sabrina came to us after her son was born.  She had to take some time off work, but did not get paid for it. Trying to catch up on the bills was a challenge, and she fell behind in her rent. Then she heard about LCS. To make a long story short, Sabrina was able to leave LCS with not only rental assistance but also coats for her newborn and kindergartener and toys for both that she can wrap up for Christmas.  Next week, Sabrina will be starting a better paying job, and is thankful for all her gifts.   The coats were provided by St. Marks and Grace of God Lutheran Churches. The toys were provided by Jane Ramsey and David Amos. And the financial assistance was provided by you – our wonderful donors.

News You Can Use November 2015

For Your Church Newsletter

From Lutheran Community Services                

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

Additional Resources for Long-Term Help

Our core services here at LCS are food and homelessness prevention assistance for low income people.  But many times interested folks want to know what steps we are taking to help people in need so that they won't need to come and see us again.  For homelessness prevention clients (those we help with back rent, mortgage, security deposits, or utilities), we do this by providing referrals to Clarifi for one-on-one financial literacy help before they come to our offices for their first appointment.  Clarifi is a nonprofit focused on financial literacy education.  Food clients can also attend classroom style financial literacy presentations when they visit LCS's food distributions.  This service is offered through $tand by Me, which is a state initiative.  So far this year, we have made two such presentations, to about 15 people each, and a third is planned.  Presentations begin with a discussion of attitudes about money before moving to traditional topics like credit repair and saving.

 

Another thing we provide for the long-term betterment of our clients is nutrition assistance.  With it, we reason, clients can fuel their bodies so they can do well in school, at home, or on the job.  We provide nutrition education literature at all food sites and classes at selected food sites.  This year we have held three nutrition classes (at Shiloh Baptist and St. Stephen's and Hope Lutheran) with the UD Cooperative Extension program.  Each program attracted 30 participants who are interested in nutrition for their families.  Topics include helpful information like shopping on a budget or making cost-effective nutritional dishes.

 

 LCS Garden Keeps Going

LCS planted a community pantry garden at its new site at 2809 Baynard Boulevard in Wilmington as a result of a grant from the Speer Trust.  So for this year , we have harvested over 200 pounds of fresh vegetables from the garden that we directed to Hanover Presbyterian's food pantry, which is a close and good partner.  We have extended our growing season as much as we could, and replanted (lettuce, carrots, and broccoli) in early October with a final harvest set for early November.  Tools and supplies for the garden were provided at cost by Fairfax Hardware- who we heartily thank.  Just as we want to thank Coverdale Farms for all the seedlings! 

 

Greater Power

Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come.  Come into our world bringing light and life.  Come into our world bringing hope and peace.  Come into our hearts with joy and compassion.  Bless our tables as we gather together, that we may be filled with your loving spirit.  Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come.  Amen.

Pastor Kathy Ierien

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd [12/13]