The leaders made a plan to make sure that all of the high school youth would stay connected to the new food pantry that has opened at the church. After the initial opening weekend and the most recent open house, enthusiasm for the emergency food pantry was running high. The donations came in at a very steady pace and they were coming from a large number of people. The youth group leaders just wanted to make sure that this momentum continued.
In their efforts to make sure that the high schoolers continued to think of those in need they were planning to collect clothing for donations for children in need of clothing. During the months of November and December, in fact, it makes sense that you encourage the group to collect both food and clothing for those in need.
In addition to the collections, you want to make sure that the students continue to find ways to connect to the food pantry that is now a permanent part of the church. From decorating the paper bags that the visitors use to hold the food that they collect to the labels on the food itself, you are working on several ideas to keep the youth connected to the project. With plans to make sure that everyone who takes the food during the week knows what time the church services are on the weekend, you are planning one night of decorating these bags. In addition, you have another evening planned where you want to attach Bible verses to the cans and cartons that the people take home.
The leaders hope that these plans not only help the youth of your church stay connected to the food pantry and the clothing drives, but also help the visitors make a more permanent connection to the church.
Helping Families in Need Is the Goal of Food Pantries Across the Country
From wounded veterans charities to local food pantries, concerned Americans are always looking for ways to make sure that they are able to help those in need. In fact, food and used clothing donations allow those with so much to donate to those who have too little. Finding the best way to connect your items to those that are in need can help you not just get rid of the clutter in your home, but also distribute your wealth to those who can use it the most.
Consider these facts and figures about the process of giving children in need of clothing and food the very resources that they need:
- 45% of recycled clothing is worn as secondhand clothing.
- Unfortunately, Americans only recycle or donate 15% of their used clothing items.
- 70% of social media users indicate that they would take some kind of action in response to a friend posting a story on social media about making a charitable donation.
- Because only about 15% of textiles are ever recycled, these items account for as much as 5% of all the municipal waste in the country.
- One of the easiest ways to determine what items you are going to donate is to take a piece by piece look at all of your clothing items. For instance, If you live in a one to two season climate and you have not worn an item in six months, it is time to let that item go.
- 4.7 billion pounds of clothing are donated by Americans each year.
- 100% of household clothing and textiles can be recycled, regardless the quality or condition.
- In a time when there are so many organizations saying that they are collecting for those in need, smart givers only support groups granted tax-exempt status under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Otherwise, you are at risk that your gifts will not reach your intended purpose.
Charitable clothing donations and food donations are especially important, especially this time of the year. Children in need of clothing, for instance, are especially vulnerable during the coldest months of the year. Children in need of food, too, are especially vulnerable during these long winter days. Children in need of clothing and food depend on the generosity of others to make sure that they are warm and full during the longest of winter months.