Beginning this month, Cherry Hill members and friends will have the opportunity to share the Christmas spirit of sharing and giving in two very special ways with some very special friends.

PERSONAL HYGEINE ITEMS GIFT BOXES WITH FIRST STEP & VISTA MARIA                                           

Since 1978, First Step has been working for peaceful families and safe communities in Wayne County, Michigan. First Step is a non-profit agency providing comprehensive services for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Services include emergency shelter for individuals, families, and their pets; transitional supportive housing; counseling, advocacy, and support groups for adults and children; Personal Protection Order assistance, and many more.

The staff and volunteers at Vista Maria know that it takes a fearless heart to overcome the challenges of abuse and trauma and move forward. An unwavering courage, limitless love, and positive vision that was embodied in 1883 by founder Sister Mary Euphrasia, and carried on today by each person associated with Vista Maria. What began as a home for girls and women in need has evolved to encompass mental health services, foster care and adoption, independent living, and secure care for the survivors of human trafficking, plus education, after school care and advocacy for the welfare of children.

              Beginning Sunday, November 19, members of the Mission Committee will be distributing plastic storage boxes for members and friends to take and fill with personal hygiene items. The boxes will then be collected and shared with the women and children who turn to First Step & Vista Maria for help in times of crisis. Items to be placed in the boxes include the following full size items:

                                                    Hair care products (shampoo, conditioner)     Hand & Body Lotion Hair Brushes 

                                                    Hair care products for women of color             Body Wash                    Toothbrushes & Toothpaste

                                                   Wide-tooth combs                                                    Deodorant                      Hand Sanitizer

                                                                                                                                             Feminine Hygiene Items   

              Boxes will be distributed until they are all taken. All boxes must be returned by Sunday, December 10.

WARMING TREE FOR DEARBORN GOOD FELLOWS  &

W.O.R.D. AFTERSCHOOL LITERACY PROGRAM

AT CALVIN EAST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Once again, our Board of Deacons is sponsoring a warming tree in conjunction with the Dearborn Good Fellows and with participants in the Working on Reading Development (W.O.R.D.) Afterschool Literacy program at the Calvin East Presbyterian Church in Detroit. This year, the Dearborn Good Fellows will work with Dearborn Public Schools to make Christmas brighter for approximately 1,000 children in our community. The W.O.R.D. program at Calvin East Church in Detroit works with elementary school students from Detroit Public Schools.

              The tree will be in Weir Foyer beginning Sunday, November 19. We will adorn the tree with coats, gloves, scarves, and hats in a variety of children and adult sizes. It is requested that ALL items be NEW!

              PLEASE NOTE: All donated items must be on the tree no later than Sunday, December 10.