What do you do?

We work in conjunction with a local charity called LA Family Housing. They provide help to get families assistance where needed and into their own housing. To do this we collect items that LA Housing requests – toilet paper, shampoo, deodorant etc.  and then take them down to the shelter for distribution.

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How much work is involved?

One person from the ecclesia agrees to check in with LA Family Housing and ask what items they are in need of that month. We publish this in our monthly newsletter- “This month we are collecting Baby food” –  and our members can respond by bringing the items and placing them in the collection barrels we have set up at the back of our Sunday School Building. Then one member empties the barrels and drops the supplies off at LA Family Housing. That’s it!

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How long have you been doing this?

10-15 years.

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What’s the cost involved?

Just the cost of the 50 gallon barrels with lid used for collection.

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Have you had a good response?

Yes, the barrels get filled every month! Plus, in November, those who want to can put together a Thanksgiving bag for LA Housing to distribute to their families. To do this we take a reusable shopping bag and fill it with the following items.

• $20 gift card to Food4Less or Ralphs for a turkey
• 1 can of cranberries or cranberry sauce
• 2 cans of vegetables
• 1 box of chicken broth
• 1 can of yams
• 1 box of Jell-O or pudding mix
• 1 box of stuffing
• 1 box of mashed potato buds
• 1 box of corn muffin mix
• Optional:  Thanksgiving greeting card

As well, in mid December we buy $20 gift cards from Target and take those down to LA Housing.

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Are there any issues which have arisen?

At one time we donated gift items in December.  LA Housing decided that gift cards of the same denomination work better and they can make sure gifts are evenly spread between families.  Plus the kids get enjoyment by being able to go and buy their own gift.