Daybreak Celebrates


Gift of Shoes FPCA donations allow program members to buy footwear BY KATIE KACKENMEISTER, CONFERENCE OF CHURCES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR


On Tuesday, November 29, members of the Conference of Churches’ Daybreak program headed to Boscov’s to pick out shoes or sneakers, compliments of First Presbyterian.


Providing shoes was a shining example of the empathy that drives the Conference and its dedicated volunteers, including Helen Underwood, who helps lead FPCA’s Local Mission Team.


During a recent visit to Daybreak, as prayer was about to be said before dinner, Helen turned her gaze downward. Her eyes noticed the poor condition of many members’ shoes. Tey were torn, ripped, stretched out, and even duct- taped together—not the kind of sturdy footwear needed for trekking down city sidewalks or getting on and off the bus.


She brought the need to her church’s attention, and FPCA organized a collection to fund the purchase of new shoes, which raised almost $3,700! Helen’s jubilant email to Daybreak’s program supervisor, Christina DiPierro, best expresses the true joy of giving:


“YAHOO!!!!! Oh Christina, we can buy shoes, boots, slippers for everyone! God is good.”


Plans were made to take at least 75 Daybreak members to Boscov’s, where they were able to spend $50 each on footwear of their choice. Te management at Boscov’s was most gracious, having extra staff on board to outfit our friends at Daybreak. We’re overwhelmed by this act of generosity and compassion and thank Helen and all who contributed. God is so good!


During the Christmas season, with its whirlwind of activities that can leave us frazzled, taking a moment to focus on gratitude for the things we take for granted—a comfortable bed, a


nourishing lunch, the warm boots protecting our feet—brought us back to a place where giving comes from love.


We want to thank all of you who supported the Lehigh Conference of Churches during 2016 and have shown empathy for the needs of your brothers and sisters in Christ. Your willingness to walk in their shoes, realize a need, and act upon it through service, monetary gifts, and in-kind donations allows us to lift people out of crisis and give them hope.


DELIVER HATS KNITTERS


Each year, members of FPCA’s knitting ministry create hand- made hats for children in the Allentown School District. Starting as a Saturday of Service project in 2009 with Roosevelt Elementary School, the program has grown to benefit students in nine schools throughout the district.


Upon completion of over 1,300 hats in 2016, members of the group had the privilege of going to each class and helping children select their own hats. Members of the group are as moved on delivery day as the students are grateful. Students often write thank-you letters expressing their gratitude (see back cover). Teachers also use the program as an opportunity to teach children what it means to be part of a community.


The knitting ministry consists of members, church friends, relatives, and neighbors who begin making hats in the summer months. Not only do children benefit, but time spent together in fellowship is wonderful for this group as well.


Members and friends of the church can support this ministry by donating needles and yarn, preferably washable. Please bring donations to the church office with a note indicating they’re for knitting ministry.


—Kate Kareha 7


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