TWELVE BASKET PROJECT:

We are in our second year of having a monthly basket project. The outreach/evangelism committee meets late each fall to brainstorm and decide what projects or organizations we would like to support for the next twelve months. Prior to each month, an article is printed in the newsletter to introduce the next month's basket collection to the congregation. Three or four months of the year we have what is primarily a collection of money for that month's outreach. For the other months, we contact the agency for whom we are collecting to find out what items would be useful to them. The list of suggested items is published and items are collected for the month, then delivered to the agency or organization.

We have chosen local agencies and distant organizations. Two to three times a year, we have a "food event" to go along with that month's project (salad luncheon, pancake breakfast or a supper for fellowship.) We accept a free will offering at these events which is then donated to the month's basket project.

An example of organizations we have supported are: the area foodshelf, Adopt-A-Soldier, Men's Transitional Housing, NorthHomes (an organization that works with youth,) school supplies for Salvation Army, Community Cafe, Crisis Nursery, Coat collection for Community Coat Drive, Adopt-A-Family at Christmas through our local food shelf, the local Animal Shelter, Grace House - our local homeless shelter, LifeHouse - an organization that works with Teens in transition. We have raised funds for some local Native American Episcopal missions to enable them to purchase some items that didn't fit in their budget. Each Novemeber we have a month-long Silent Auction with the proceeds going to support the Millennium Development Goals through Episcopal Relief and Development.

This basket project has been enjoyable for many in the congregation and has enabled them to give to worthwhile organizations as their heart leads them.