Mission of Month—December—Diapers: any size disposable diapers, as well as monetary donations. Give at www.ankenyfirst.org or bring items to any worship location.

Project Fresh Start—Winter Clothing Giveaway for FEWD—The community Faith and Education Winter Donations (FEWD) program combats the lack of funds for Ankeny families to purchase winter outerwear for their students. This year, we are participating in the collection of monetary donations only for the giveaway. Please make your donations by December 15. This money will support their buying power for next year's event. They also need volunteers for this year’s event on November 11-12! Sign up HERE.

Des Moines Refugee Support Donation Drive “Santa's Ride”—Each year, Des Moines Refugee Support holds a "Santa's Ride" donation drive to help refugee families in the Des Moines area have a blessed holiday season. Find the designated bins at the CLC and Uptown to place your donations. Donations must be returned by Dec. 6 (the event is Dec. 9).

• Winter coats, boots, hats, and mittens in all child and adult sizes (new or in excellent condition) 
• NEW toys, especially: soccer balls, black Barbies, and art supplies, (no puzzles or games with small pieces). Specific items: Target Toy Wish List HERE.
• Diapers and wipes 
• Monetary donations and gift cards are always welcome, too.

Trinity/Las Americas UMC: ELL Christmas Party Volunteers Help the English Language Learners (ELL) and others in the neighborhood at Trinity Las Americas UMC celebrate at the annual Christmas Party on December 14. The ELL participants will receive their gift cards (replacing the Tubs of Love) at the party. Email or call Kay Oliver [email protected] or 515-266-1791 if you can volunteer at the party.

Christmas Offering: Invitation to Give Letter Mailed/emailed in December—Our Christmas offering is one of the main ways our Missions Cluster funds ministry and mission to those in need locally, nationally, and worldwide. This season we invite you to learn about these ministries and missions and see how real lives are being changed by God’s love through your giving. This year’s focus will be on the Malawi Partnership of Hope, Families Forward, and New Horizons Adult Day Center.

Families Forward Holiday Giving Opportunities—Each holiday season, Families Forward (formerly Bidwell Riverside) has several ways you can give back to the families they serve! A variety of gifts to choose from to purchase for families in both New Directions Shelter and The Home Connection can be found HERE. Find the Uptown tub to place items if you cannot make arrangements to deliver on your own.

Warm Toes & Fingers for All—We will be collecting warm socks, as well as hats/mittens/gloves for all ages this winter. We will distribute them to many agencies that have expressed the need for these items. Find bins at Uptown or the CLC for donations.