Central’s Restoration Center Christmas Appeal underway
Toy drive gives way to more effective,long-lasting assistance
Donations accepted through December 25
For years members and friends of Central have given generously at this time of year to what is now called the Restoration Center Christmas Appeal. The funds have been used to provide for the annual Community Christmas Meal and other kinds of assistance. In recent years a significant portion of the funds received were used to mount a massive toy drive, purchasing hundreds of toys which were given away to families in need in our immediate neighborhood. This year the focus of the appeal will change—a result of what Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Central’s Director of Community Ministries, calls a “maturing in ministry.”
“In the past we have collected monetary donations specifically for toys to distribute to families in need. This year we are shifting the paradigm a bit as we believe we can do better for families during this difficult time with the funds entrusted to us,” he said.
This year funds received will supply food for the traditional Christmas meal and provide some winter gear and gifts for families. But a significant portion of the funds will provide family housing and financial assistance—an effort directly aimed at preventing homelessness.
“Housing and other financial assistance currently exists for families through Hennepin County, but many do not qualify, even though they are living on the edge of homelessness and in poverty,” said Rolf. “This effort is aimed at filling that gap by paying directly for utility bills, prescriptions and medical services, transportation expenses related to jobs and other basic needs.”
Rolf said that Central will try to meet the needs of 30 to 40 families “who we already have a relationship with” and that the Christmas Appeal is an attempt to provide rental and other financial assistance over and above what is already provided through The Restoration Center on a regular basis.
“Shifting the paradigm is sometimes difficult,” said Rolf. “What we have learned is that there is so much more that people need—more than straight charity—more lasting things like a place to live and a job. Yes, kids need toys, but I just know that they would be better off in a home without toys than in a shelter with toys.”
Rolf points out that purchased toys may be donated directly to the Clothes Closet where they will be given to families in need during this holiday season. Funds given to the Christmas appeal will be designated for the Christmas meal, winter clothing and financial assistance for families. These special gifts, which should be over-and-above people’s normal generous giving through Central, for use in the Restoration Center ministries this Christmas season should be specially marked “Restoration Center” or “RC.”
“We are going to work with our neighbors to live out our faith and to build a healthier community with God at the center by working in advocacy, housing, financial assistance, access to jobs, literacy, education and more,” said Rolf. “God surely smiles upon our efforts to work together to serve the most vulnerable in our community.”
“Let us continue to listen to the needs of our community and then to answer with the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you, in advance, for giving to the Community Ministries Christmas Appeal as it is vital for so many people. You are blessed to be a blessing!”
Toy drive gives way to more effective,long-lasting assistance
Donations accepted through December 25
For years members and friends of Central have given generously at this time of year to what is now called the Restoration Center Christmas Appeal. The funds have been used to provide for the annual Community Christmas Meal and other kinds of assistance. In recent years a significant portion of the funds received were used to mount a massive toy drive, purchasing hundreds of toys which were given away to families in need in our immediate neighborhood. This year the focus of the appeal will change—a result of what Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Central’s Director of Community Ministries, calls a “maturing in ministry.”“In the past we have collected monetary donations specifically for toys to distribute to families in need. This year we are shifting the paradigm a bit as we believe we can do better for families during this difficult time with the funds entrusted to us,” he said.
This year funds received will supply food for the traditional Christmas meal and provide some winter gear and gifts for families. But a significant portion of the funds will provide family housing and financial assistance—an effort directly aimed at preventing homelessness.
“Housing and other financial assistance currently exists for families through Hennepin County, but many do not qualify, even though they are living on the edge of homelessness and in poverty,” said Rolf. “This effort is aimed at filling that gap by paying directly for utility bills, prescriptions and medical services, transportation expenses related to jobs and other basic needs.”
Rolf said that Central will try to meet the needs of 30 to 40 families “who we already have a relationship with” and that the Christmas Appeal is an attempt to provide rental and other financial assistance over and above what is already provided through The Restoration Center on a regular basis.
“Shifting the paradigm is sometimes difficult,” said Rolf. “What we have learned is that there is so much more that people need—more than straight charity—more lasting things like a place to live and a job. Yes, kids need toys, but I just know that they would be better off in a home without toys than in a shelter with toys.”
Rolf points out that purchased toys may be donated directly to the Clothes Closet where they will be given to families in need during this holiday season. Funds given to the Christmas appeal will be designated for the Christmas meal, winter clothing and financial assistance for families. These special gifts, which should be over-and-above people’s normal generous giving through Central, for use in the Restoration Center ministries this Christmas season should be specially marked “Restoration Center” or “RC.”
“We are going to work with our neighbors to live out our faith and to build a healthier community with God at the center by working in advocacy, housing, financial assistance, access to jobs, literacy, education and more,” said Rolf. “God surely smiles upon our efforts to work together to serve the most vulnerable in our community.”
“Let us continue to listen to the needs of our community and then to answer with the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you, in advance, for giving to the Community Ministries Christmas Appeal as it is vital for so many people. You are blessed to be a blessing!”
Special gifts—over-and-above regular giving—for
this focused Christmas appeal
should be designated for “Restoration Center”
and may be placed in the offering plates or
delivered or mailed to the Church Office
anytime before December 25.
this focused Christmas appeal
should be designated for “Restoration Center”
and may be placed in the offering plates or
delivered or mailed to the Church Office
anytime before December 25.
333 South Twelfth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-870-4416