LOCAL MISSION SUPPORT:
The Alternative Christmas Market (ACM) is hosted by Kirkwood and is held the first Saturday in December. Several non-profit groups provide Christmas Giving opportunities which also support their work. This special concept of giving is a response to the commercialization of Christmas. A gift through ACM will not only honor a family member or friend, but will also assist these non-profit groups financially. Many of the non-profit organizations in the community as well as mission projects such as the Heiffer project are included in this event. Total raised in 2006 was $8,900. Your ACM Coordinators are Steve and Carolyn Roskamp. Please contact them at acm07@tampabay.rr.com for further information.
The congregation participates in monthly goods collections. Each month a list of needed items (see Current Events for this months collection) is provided so that members can donate to the specific needs of the following local groups:
Migrant Children of Manatee County Schools;
Crop Walk including hundreds of jars of peanut butter gathered for Our Daily Bread
Michael Bach Health Center (Aids Council)
Children’s Academy of Southwest Florida,
Community Coalition on Homelessness,
Beth-El Farm Workers
Rubonia Daycare Center
Anchor House/Port Manatee
Our Daily Bread food pantry
Beth-El and Blackburn Elementary children’s needs
Angel Tree - Children of Prisoners
Financial Support is provided through the General Operating Fund:
Agape Flights, Inc
Anchor House/Port Manatee
Children’s Academy of Southwest Florida
Immokalee Mission
Manasota Solve
North RiverPregnancyCenter
Manatee Religious Services
Manatee School Foundation (Project Heart)
Our Daily Bread
Samaritan Counseling Center
Youth for Christ
Other Local Mission Opportunities:
Habitat for Humanity (both with donations and volunteers); Pumpkin Patch project which supports a local community mission determined each year; Gideons Bible distribution.
