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Thriftylady 08:09 AM 06-07-2016
Every month, our church does our food pantry outreach. We accept no government funding, as we wouldn't be able to do a devotion for those who come if we did. We mostly serve our village of 3000, but some people come from other towns. We don't turn them away, but their bags are packed last so if we run out of stuff, the out of town families don't get as much. But our Elder's set it up that way, it is intended to help those in need in our little "village" mostly. We don't ask for ID or income, it is on an honor's system. If you come and say you need food, we give what we have until we run out. We keep info from years and months past and buy amounts based on those states. So last month we bought for 35 families, and we had 37, so a couple didn't get milk, bread and eggs, but we do our best. Our church buys enough food to try to give the families a week's worth of food. It isn't really a months worth though, but we try. We give a gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, sliced cheese, a meat item, a four pack of TP, some canned veggies, spag noodles and sauce, cereal, mac and cheese, peanut butter, crackers etc. Those are all things we buy. Then whatever donations we get we pass out also. Other churches in the area help some with food, such as the Methodist church takes up a donation every 5th Sunday in the months with it (so 2-3 times a year) and we get canned fruit with it. So we try to give fruit to the families with kids to give them something sweet. But we never have enough, and our church budget just won't stretch as far as we would like each month.

So I was wondering about asking my kiddos (families) if they would like to donate canned fruit for the food pantry to help other kids in our village. Hubby says he wouldn't, because it is our church, and it is crossing a line. I say all my kids live here, and may like the idea that they are helping other kids. I am not even sure my parents would donate. What do you think?
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Play Care 08:21 AM 06-07-2016
I've had a day care collection for our local food pantry. Usually around Christmas time. My feeling is that so long as your church is supplying the food to the community, I don't see what's wrong with doing a collection. Now, if it were for church members in need only, that wouldn't be okay, IMO.
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sleepinghart 08:44 AM 06-07-2016
Originally Posted by Thriftylady:
Every month, our church does our food pantry outreach. We accept no government funding, as we wouldn't be able to do a devotion for those who come if we did. We mostly serve our village of 3000, but some people come from other towns. We don't turn them away, but their bags are packed last so if we run out of stuff, the out of town families don't get as much. But our Elder's set it up that way, it is intended to help those in need in our little "village" mostly. We don't ask for ID or income, it is on an honor's system. If you come and say you need food, we give what we have until we run out. We keep info from years and months past and buy amounts based on those states. So last month we bought for 35 families, and we had 37, so a couple didn't get milk, bread and eggs, but we do our best. Our church buys enough food to try to give the families a week's worth of food. It isn't really a months worth though, but we try. We give a gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, sliced cheese, a meat item, a four pack of TP, some canned veggies, spag noodles and sauce, cereal, mac and cheese, peanut butter, crackers etc. Those are all things we buy. Then whatever donations we get we pass out also. Other churches in the area help some with food, such as the Methodist church takes up a donation every 5th Sunday in the months with it (so 2-3 times a year) and we get canned fruit with it. So we try to give fruit to the families with kids to give them something sweet. But we never have enough, and our church budget just won't stretch as far as we would like each month.

So I was wondering about asking my kiddos (families) if they would like to donate canned fruit for the food pantry to help other kids in our village. Hubby says he wouldn't, because it is our church, and it is crossing a line. I say all my kids live here, and may like the idea that they are helping other kids. I am not even sure my parents would donate. What do you think?

~No it is not tacky. It is 100% okay to ask your families to donate, I would if I was in your spot- They can then donate or not...It's up to them, 100% their choice. It's also teaching the kids a valuable lesson..they get a lesson, maybe even their first one, in charity/giving. I say go for it and be sure to explain it to the kids, make a lesson out of it and all. I still remember going into my daycare when I was about 4 or 5 years old with a brown paper bag with canned goods in it for the needy(I remember getting a red dress that morning from Sears and I remember briefly panicking thinking I had grabbed the wrong bag and gotten the one with the dress in it instead of the canned goods but it was okay, I had brought the correct bag to Miss Becky ) and that was my first lesson, or learning about, of the needy...and I don't want to give away my age of course but that has been decades ago!

PS- This is a situation where if someone did tell me asking for charity is tacky, whether it be the person/parent I asked or whoever, they would be corrected very quickly. This would be one issue I wouldn't mince or stumble words with.
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Mariahsaint 08:57 AM 06-07-2016
Originally Posted by Play Care:
I've had a day care collection for our local food pantry. Usually around Christmas time. My feeling is that so long as your church is supplying the food to the community, I don't see what's wrong with doing a collection. Now, if it were for church members in need only, that wouldn't be okay, IMO.
As an atheist I tend to get a little twitchy about church related things, but that said I understand the good that some churches do for their community.

Like PlayCare said, because it's for the community as a whole, I personally wouldn't have an issues being randomly asked to donate a few items. Now, I probably would have an issue if it was the church asking outsiders for church members only.

Also, you could turn it into something fun! You're not just asking the DCPs too donate food for the sake of donating, you're teaching the little ones. You can discuss how some people are hungry and need the assistance. Go over fundraising ideas for the community. Turn it into a lesson about sharing. On being nice to your neighbor. They do these things in public school, why not do it in Preschool?
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finsup 09:16 AM 06-07-2016
I don't think it's tacky at all! Your Church is serving the community and your families are a part of that community. It's a great way for the kids to love and serve others. It wouldn't surprise my families in the slightest given they know we are a Christian family, and running a Christian daycare even though, oddly enough, I only have secular families enrolled. They would still be supportive of helping others, and teaching their children to help others
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momofboys 09:17 AM 06-07-2016
Originally Posted by Thriftylady:
Every month, our church does our food pantry outreach. We accept no government funding, as we wouldn't be able to do a devotion for those who come if we did. We mostly serve our village of 3000, but some people come from other towns. We don't turn them away, but their bags are packed last so if we run out of stuff, the out of town families don't get as much. But our Elder's set it up that way, it is intended to help those in need in our little "village" mostly. We don't ask for ID or income, it is on an honor's system. If you come and say you need food, we give what we have until we run out. We keep info from years and months past and buy amounts based on those states. So last month we bought for 35 families, and we had 37, so a couple didn't get milk, bread and eggs, but we do our best. Our church buys enough food to try to give the families a week's worth of food. It isn't really a months worth though, but we try. We give a gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, sliced cheese, a meat item, a four pack of TP, some canned veggies, spag noodles and sauce, cereal, mac and cheese, peanut butter, crackers etc. Those are all things we buy. Then whatever donations we get we pass out also. Other churches in the area help some with food, such as the Methodist church takes up a donation every 5th Sunday in the months with it (so 2-3 times a year) and we get canned fruit with it. So we try to give fruit to the families with kids to give them something sweet. But we never have enough, and our church budget just won't stretch as far as we would like each month.

So I was wondering about asking my kiddos (families) if they would like to donate canned fruit for the food pantry to help other kids in our village. Hubby says he wouldn't, because it is our church, and it is crossing a line. I say all my kids live here, and may like the idea that they are helping other kids. I am not even sure my parents would donate. What do you think?
Our kids' public school system donates canned foods (has a long drive period when kids can donate) & has a LARGE collection donating hundreds of items (probably more like thousands) to our local food pantry which is a faith-based organization. I wouldn't consider not helping others because of that.
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sleepinghart 09:37 AM 06-07-2016
~Yeah- The whole time I was reading the original post the thoughts, or concepts of, church, religion, Christianity, etc. never even entered my mind. I read needy families, need food, it's good to help them, that's all .
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Ariana 09:43 AM 06-07-2016
I think it is a great idea and those who want to help can and those who don't won't. I would lead with absolutely no pressure about it either way.

On a side note have you thought about getting the community involved in a community garden for the people in need. It really is the gift that keeps on giving and if the community is involved it would be very easy and a much healthier alternative to canned foods. Maybe ask people who already have gardens to donate plants or donate the food they are growing etc. Healthy food is so important and we all know how expensive it is. It is also a great way to get the kids involved in their community.
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Thriftylady 10:17 AM 06-07-2016
Originally Posted by Ariana:
I think it is a great idea and those who want to help can and those who don't won't. I would lead with absolutely no pressure about it either way.

On a side note have you thought about getting the community involved in a community garden for the people in need. It really is the gift that keeps on giving and if the community is involved it would be very easy and a much healthier alternative to canned foods. Maybe ask people who already have gardens to donate plants or donate the food they are growing etc. Healthy food is so important and we all know how expensive it is. It is also a great way to get the kids involved in their community.
Our church tried that a few years ago. And by our church I mean DH and I, one other person and an elder. No body (including those in our church) wanted to help with the work of it. But lots of people of course needed/wanted food. I was so disappointed, because the church had the land, one member did help by getting the equipment rental place he worked for to donate a tractor to till it and he tilled it. But it seems getting anyone to do the hard work is sometimes impossible. We did get some fresh food to the outreach. It was quickly over run with weeds. Heck my garden is now also, I can't even seem to keep up with just mine. We had an acre for the church one, and I just couldn't do it all myself. DH was home more then and tried to help, but two people doing an acre just didn't work well.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 10:19 AM 06-07-2016
I think that's a wonderful way to get people involved more in helping others in your community. It's easy for the parents, it models good citizenship to the children, and it benefits those in need. Win-win!
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Josiegirl 10:35 AM 06-07-2016
I don't see anything wrong with it at all! If it were the holidays people jump all over the place to donate and help the seasonal cause. Well, hunger doesn't just happen during holidays.
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Laurel 10:39 AM 06-07-2016
I don't think it is tacky but I wouldn't do it. It has 'nothing' to do with the religion part of it (am also an atheist). I just don't like to ask people to donate. Then the next thing you know, they will be asking me to support their school fundraisers (like selling that stupid overpriced wrapping paper, lol). The only thing I have ever asked for is scraps for art projects. I have been given a lot of really nice things but I didn't ask for them. I donate but I don't ask others for donations. I have donated things to my friend's church before.
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MunchkinWrangler 10:45 AM 06-07-2016
Not tacky at all! Plus being truthful of how the donations will reach their destination is also good. That way people know it's going to the right place.

I'm open about my beliefs but not to the point of overkill as I respect people's decisions for their beliefs. It's always so awkward to me of why people of other faiths or beliefs are allowed to voice theirs but being Christian and voicing it is taboo.
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Mike 01:18 PM 06-07-2016
I think it's a great idea.

Originally Posted by Mariahsaint:
Also, you could turn it into something fun! You're not just asking the DCPs too donate food for the sake of donating, you're teaching the little ones. You can discuss how some people are hungry and need the assistance. Go over fundraising ideas for the community. Turn it into a lesson about sharing. On being nice to your neighbor. They do these things in public school, why not do it in Preschool?

Love that idea.
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Pepperth 01:32 PM 06-07-2016
Not tacky at all. I did a clothing drive for the foster care closet and the kids really got into it. You have older if I remember right. Could they have a "business lesson" and run a lemonade stand with proceeds benefiting the food pantry? I bet they'd have fun.
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Thriftylady 01:34 PM 06-07-2016
Originally Posted by Pepperth:
Not tacky at all. I did a clothing drive for the foster care closet and the kids really got into it. You have older if I remember right. Could they have a "business lesson" and run a lemonade stand with proceeds benefiting the food pantry? I bet they'd have fun.
Well we could, do a lemonade stand if we lived on a busier street. Or maybe I could find another yard to do it in.
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Mike 02:54 PM 06-07-2016
Originally Posted by Thriftylady:
Well we could, do a lemonade stand if we lived on a busier street. Or maybe I could find another yard to do it in.
Think outside the box.
Have the stand at your place and advertise it. Some people would actually go to buy a lemonade just to help out.
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Pepperth 02:59 PM 06-07-2016
Originally Posted by Thriftylady:
Well we could, do a lemonade stand if we lived on a busier street. Or maybe I could find another yard to do it in.
When I was a kid, I know a lot of kids sat outside the general store to sell their lemonade. Maybe a local business would let you have it there. Although, I also agree with Mike that if you advertise, people would probably come to your house as well.
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sleepinghart 06:51 AM 06-08-2016
Originally Posted by Laurel:
I don't think it is tacky but I wouldn't do it. It has 'nothing' to do with the religion part of it (am also an atheist). I just don't like to ask people to donate. Then the next thing you know, they will be asking me to support their school fundraisers (like selling that stupid overpriced wrapping paper, lol). The only thing I have ever asked for is scraps for art projects. I have been given a lot of really nice things but I didn't ask for them. I donate but I don't ask others for donations. I have donated things to my friend's church before.
~Thriftylady, if you're worried about anything like ^^this^^, I would look at it this way- Yes you are asking for donations but you're doing it as part of a lesson for the children, and that's a little different. I would send a note home that starts off with something like- "Due to next week's lesson on charity & giving back to the community we are asking for each child to send in x number of canned goods(or whatever you can spare) if you can". Of course it can be worded much better, that was just something I came up with quickly off the top of my head; and of course you can go on in the memo to explain where the donations are going, etc. All the parents can say is "yes" or "no", and all they can do is send the goods or not send them- Either way, whether you get a ton of donations or just a little or even none at all, the children still get the lesson so nothing is lost, only a great lesson found and hopefully more people fed.
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sahm1225 12:11 PM 06-08-2016
Originally Posted by sleepinghart:
~Thriftylady, if you're worried about anything like ^^this^^, I would look at it this way- Yes you are asking for donations but you're doing it as part of a lesson for the children, and that's a little different. I would send a note home that starts off with something like- "Due to next week's lesson on charity & giving back to the community we are asking for each child to send in x number of canned goods(or whatever you can spare) if you can". Of course it can be worded much better, that was just something I came up with quickly off the top of my head; and of course you can go on in the memo to explain where the donations are going, etc. All the parents can say is "yes" or "no", and all they can do is send the goods or not send them- Either way, whether you get a ton of donations or just a little or even none at all, the children still get the lesson so nothing is lost, only a great lesson found and hopefully more people fed.
I love this idea! Can I use it too??

I volunteer at our local food pantry but it's different than yours thrifty. It's set up as a pantry/room that families come into and can take 7 items. I've been volunteering for over a year now and the pantry us the lowest I've seen. We've had to limit how many items they take.

The pantry is walking distance from us so I might just create a weekly curriculum about charity and take the stuff with the kids next Friday:
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Thriftylady 01:06 PM 06-08-2016
Originally Posted by sahm1225:
I love this idea! Can I use it too??

I volunteer at our local food pantry but it's different than yours thrifty. It's set up as a pantry/room that families come into and can take 7 items. I've been volunteering for over a year now and the pantry us the lowest I've seen. We've had to limit how many items they take.

The pantry is walking distance from us so I might just create a weekly curriculum about charity and take the stuff with the kids next Friday:
Wow, 7 items doesn't seem like much, but to those who have nothing, I am sure it is. I know there has been a time or two with ours, that we didn't know where the money was coming from, but the Elders released some from the General fund those times. Our Elders have put huge priority on doing this for those in need in our community, and luckily we have always been able to do it. We do run out of some things some months when we have more people than expected. Sadly then it is the people who don't live in our town that get shorted, but that is because their towns also have churches that do pantries. We don't turn anyone away, but some don't always get as much. I also know that sometimes during the month the church will get a call and one of the lead ladies will go buy milk, eggs etc for a family in need.

A few years ago, DH lost his job suddenly at his last trucking company over a minor fender bender with the semi. When he lost his job, my PTSD, depression and anxiety kicked in big time. I hadn't even considered reopening daycare yet, I wasn't working at all. I went into a downhill spiral fast and was in crisis mode. I actually decided DH was better off without one more mouth to feed, and ran away from home, on foot, in the rain. I really got messed up for a few days. Luckily my team of therapist, psychiatrist and such got me back on track quickly (a couple of days) with hubby's help. Luckily, DH had this job within a week. But during that week of him being off and me being in a bad way, they had outreach. Our youth pastor and his wife actually delivered us groceries that week. Somehow the fact that they thought of us, really helped my recovery. I realized this time in my life was different than when I was with my abusive ex and we were so broke. Then I always had to figure it out on my own. They showed me that someone was on my side, and that made a huge difference. All by bringing a couple bags of food. So, I had helped with the outreach before. But that cemented it as near and dear to my heart.
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sleepinghart 06:44 AM 06-09-2016
Originally Posted by sahm1225:
I love this idea! Can I use it too??

I volunteer at our local food pantry but it's different than yours thrifty. It's set up as a pantry/room that families come into and can take 7 items. I've been volunteering for over a year now and the pantry us the lowest I've seen. We've had to limit how many items they take.

The pantry is walking distance from us so I might just create a weekly curriculum about charity and take the stuff with the kids next Friday:
(^^bolding^^ by me)
~I don't know if you're asking me or Thriftylady as it was mainly all her idea, but if you're asking me about using the note home idea or wording or anything I said then- yes, absolutely of course you can. Please do so- the more people to help the better! Thank you!

Originally Posted by Thriftylady:
Wow, 7 items doesn't seem like much, but to those who have nothing, I am sure it is. I know there has been a time or two with ours, that we didn't know where the money was coming from, but the Elders released some from the General fund those times. Our Elders have put huge priority on doing this for those in need in our community, and luckily we have always been able to do it. We do run out of some things some months when we have more people than expected. Sadly then it is the people who don't live in our town that get shorted, but that is because their towns also have churches that do pantries. We don't turn anyone away, but some don't always get as much. I also know that sometimes during the month the church will get a call and one of the lead ladies will go buy milk, eggs etc for a family in need.

A few years ago, DH lost his job suddenly at his last trucking company over a minor fender bender with the semi. When he lost his job, my PTSD, depression and anxiety kicked in big time. I hadn't even considered reopening daycare yet, I wasn't working at all. I went into a downhill spiral fast and was in crisis mode. I actually decided DH was better off without one more mouth to feed, and ran away from home, on foot, in the rain. I really got messed up for a few days. Luckily my team of therapist, psychiatrist and such got me back on track quickly (a couple of days) with hubby's help. Luckily, DH had this job within a week. But during that week of him being off and me being in a bad way, they had outreach. Our youth pastor and his wife actually delivered us groceries that week. Somehow the fact that they thought of us, really helped my recovery. I realized this time in my life was different than when I was with my abusive ex and we were so broke. Then I always had to figure it out on my own. They showed me that someone was on my side, and that made a huge difference. All by bringing a couple bags of food. So, I had helped with the outreach before. But that cemented it as near and dear to my heart.
~You know, a lot of times I only donate when asked, or if I know there is a food/canned good drive going on at a school or grocery store or something, and I think a lot of people are like that too. I'm thinking if asked, and if people knew you were in need, they would give enough so you wouldn't be short- I know I would. I'm trying to think of ways to put the word out...a newspaper ad would cost money...so maybe a sign out front or something. I really believe that those times you know you are going to be short, people would give enough so you won't be, it's just they don't realize the great need for it, don't think about it, etc., but if they knew or it was brought to their attention I absolutely think they'd give more.
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Thriftylady 08:38 AM 06-09-2016
Originally Posted by sleepinghart:
(^^bolding^^ by me)
~I don't know if you're asking me or Thriftylady as it was mainly all her idea, but if you're asking me about using the note home idea or wording or anything I said then- yes, absolutely of course you can. Please do so- the more people to help the better! Thank you!



~You know, a lot of times I only donate when asked, or if I know there is a food/canned good drive going on at a school or grocery store or something, and I think a lot of people are like that too. I'm thinking if asked, and if people knew you were in need, they would give enough so you wouldn't be short- I know I would. I'm trying to think of ways to put the word out...a newspaper ad would cost money...so maybe a sign out front or something. I really believe that those times you know you are going to be short, people would give enough so you won't be, it's just they don't realize the great need for it, don't think about it, etc., but if they knew or it was brought to their attention I absolutely think they'd give more.
Well often times when we are short of regular food, it is because we planned for X number and had more. We buy the milk, eggs, bread, etc that we think we will use that month, because those things can't be held over to the next month. So if we had 35 families last month, and 32 families this month a year ago, we will buy enough for 35 or 36. If we have extra milk or eggs, then we give the extras to the bigger families of 6 or 7 in the household. The canned fruit for the kids though, comes in entirely of donations, it just isn't in our budget to buy it. And although it isn't a need, we have several people that ask each month for something sweet for their kids. I do know that the gal that does the money said she wants to get jello next time we get enough fruit to stretch out the fruit some making a jello salad. I guess I think the kids could get involved with bringing something that was going to the other kids, in fact the same kids they go to school with. We have only one elementary in our town. And our middle/high school complex is in another town, shared by several small towns.
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