Collections
Yesterday’s UMW used clothing drive was a huge success with 27 barrels shipped to our friends in Liberia. We were also able to ship 91 boxes of medical supplies and 12 wheelchairs donated by Through These Hands.
In addition to the Barrels of Love shipment to Liberia, the UMW collected winter coats for Ramos children, Ripple and Everlasting Life; and the kitchen team supplied amazing take-home meals.
The “Thanks for Giving” Food and Supply Drive to benefit the Allentown Rescue Mission will be held November 15-22. Drop off your donations in the bin outside the door to the upper level 24/7 but prior to 10 AM on Sunday November 22nd. They will be brought inside the church daily. Any donations of canned food and cleaning supplies are welcome, but most needed this year are:
The Rescue Mission is most appreciative of Asbury’s support over the years. In 2019, more than 40,000 meals were served. For more information, https://www.allentownrescuemission.org/.
A note from Wendy Arbushites, coordinator of the Sleeping Mat Ministry.
The Sleeping Mat Ministry team would like to thank everyone for their donations of clean, used plastic grocery bags! An extra thank you to the people who flatten out their bags, to the people who sort theirs by color, and the people who do the folding as per the slideshow! These steps all save us time, so thank you to those of you who take those extra steps for us.
Since early March, we have created 22 sleeping mats for the homeless in the Lehigh Valley. With winter coming, we could use more help to create mats. We would love all of our neighbors in need to have a sleeping mat for the winter.
Each mat takes an estimated 500-700 grocery bags (an average trash bag stuffed tightly full), so it takes a lot of time to make a single sleeping mat. Every bag must be flattened out, folded, cut, strung together and crocheted. Carrying straps and ties must be created, then the mat must be measured, rolled, tied, and given a strap. None of the steps are difficult, but they do take time. Some team members specialize in one or more areas; others do it all.
We would like to clarify what we need to produce sleeping mats.
If you can follow these guidelines, you will help us to cut down on sorting time and on trash disposal. We appreciate you helping this ministry to care for our neighbors!
If you think you might be interested in helping, please contact Wendy Arbushites, coordinator.
Making a sleeping mat slideshow link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XfdRqCAWgxHmDQVPKQ6luB1JATtKuRApEaNLoJVbHrc/edit#slide=id.p
Recently completed sleeping mats.
Our July delivery to the Lehigh Valley Health Network.
A note from Barry and Debi Olphin, who coordinated the collection for the Allentown Ecumenical Food Bank held on Saturday, October 10:
A huge thank you for all who brought a bountiful collection of food to Asbury on Saturday October 10th. I’m sure we collected 400-500 pounds for the Allentown Ecumenical Food Bank. We are so thankful to you.
– Barry and Debi
A photo of food loaded in the van to be transported
The collection is taking place on Saturday, October 10th between 10 AM and 12 PM in Asbury’s Upper Parking Lot.
Needed items are as follows:
Social distancing will be practiced. Volunteers can retrieve your donation from your car trunk or you can deposit in a collection bin.
The CROP Walk is virtual this year, but we don’t want to forget about our hungry neighbors. Thank you in advance for your constant love and support for them!
If you would also like to make a CROP Hunger Walk donation to our team, Asbury Spirit. Go to: crophungerwalk.org/allentownpa/DebiOlphin
You are invited to join Allentown’s Virtual CROP Hunger Walk!
Raise funds online and walk on your own anytime between now and October 11th.
Visit crophungerwalk.org/allentownpa to register and start raising funds with our team ASBURY SPIRIT or to make a donation to Asbury Spirit team member.
Questions? Let us know! (Contact: Debi Olphin)
Let’s Fight Hunger Together!
Donation buckets are located in the donation bin closet (across from the church office) as well as outside of the Worship Center on Sunday mornings.
During the months of September and October, Asbury’s UMW is collecting a number of items for the Allentown Ecumenical Food Bank. If you can help this important ministry, drop these items off in the food bank collection containers, located in the Donation Bin Closet across from Asbury’s main office. Items are as follows:
· unused cloth grocery bags
· any and all types of can goods and dry goods
· Tuna Helper
· Hamburger Helper
· stuffing mix
· cake or brownie mixes
· small Sugar or flour
· mayonnaise
· mustard
· ketchup
· Tabasco sauce
· soups
· beans (canned or bagged)
· SPAM
· cooking oil
· pancake mix
· syrup
· Sloppy Joe/Manwich
· Chicken/beef/veggie broth
· Instant mashed Potatoes
· small cans of coffee
· cereal
Thank you, as always, for your generosity!
Donation bins are now being stored in the closet across from the church offices.
Current donation drives are:
– used cell phones (for Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley; administered by the United Methodist Women (UMW) Suzanna Circle)
– school supplies (for Ramos Elementary School students)
– artificial flowers and small vases (for Community Room project)
– eyeglasses (for Lions Club)
– stamps (for missions)
– Box Tops for Education
– United Methodist Women (UMW) special collection
– Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank
– toiletries (for Daybreak and Linkage)
Excess garden vegetables can help residents staying at the 6th Shelter in Allentown. The drop off location is the Lehigh Valley Garden Center on Crackersport Rd at the intersection with Deerfield Drive (near Springhouse Middle School). Donations can be placed in the coolers inside the store near the check out location. Donations are accepted Thursdays from 8-4.
The seasonal centerpieces in the Community Room are being refreshed. We are in need to artificial flowers and small vases by July 22. If you’re able to help, please place these items in the red bin in the collection area across from the offices. Questions? Contact Sarah Fullton.
