Family Friendly!

Here’s what we have discovered:

People want to make a difference.

Over the years, hundreds of Ikea Bags or boxes have been picked up the first weekend in November.

People like simple.

People pick up their shopping bags as they leave a weekend service. The bags are located at all exits of our building. The instructions are stapled to the bag to help guide people as they purchase the supplies

People enjoy the sense of togetherness.

We encourage families to shop and pack the bag together.  Friends are encouraged to participate as a small group.

Some people like to participate but don’t want to go on the outreach.

That’s OK! Taking part at any level is valued and appreciated!

Business people often take the challenge to their employees. One man agreed to match every Thanksgiving Dinner provided. He had to match forty!

The ‘no go but want to serve people’ bring their filled boxes earlier at 9:30am. The others show up at 10:00am. It’s important to have a crew at both times ready to help people unload and load the cars.

People like to go to the areas where we have served in the past.

Example: We divided up into three teams. We drove to the three apartments locations located in low-income areas. One man opened the door of his apartment. My friend asked, “Are you the man who was healed last year?” The man smiled and performed a high kick. He was excited to share his story!

People like an adventure.

We go to the apartments unannounced. We offer the Thanksgiving meal, and we offer prayer. When we leave the apartment we place a small sticker on the door notifying the rest of the team that the sticker-ed door is a home we have served.

People who serve begin to see life through an outward-focused lens.

One family knocked on a door and offered the Thanksgiving dinner. The single mom invited the family inside to place the dinner on her table. They noticed…all she had in her apartment was the table! Their perspective changed. Their hearts were softened through the experience and began to view life through a different lens. She decided she did not need a new couch!

Tip: On the day people receive instructions and maps. Be creative by adding a worship set and breaking into small groups for prayer.

Going, serving, praying, caring for others = an outward-focused life.

Instructions:

Thanks so much for helping make Thanksgiving possible!

This year’s date is Saturday, November 19th.

How to participate: Join together as a family, friends, or a small group to fill up the IKEA bag with items listed below.

Minimum List.

• 2 Cans Corn
• 2 Cans Green Beans
• 1 Large Can Yams
• 1 Can Cranberry Sauce
• 1 Box Au Gratin Potatoes
• 1 Box Brownies
• 2 Boxes Mac and Cheese
• 1 Dinner Bag Rolls
• 1 Box Stuffing Mix
• 1 FROZEN Turkey
• Roasting Pan

Optional:

• 1 Pie
• Fresh Veggies
• Fun Stuff

If you are not going on the outreach please drop your meal off at 9:30am.

If you are going on the outreach please arrive at 10:00am and leave your dinner in your car and pick up more dinners to take to the apartments.

We will meet to join others and head out to three different locations.

Important Instructions:
If you are going on the outreach…

Please leave your dinner box in your car.

Come in for instructions, and to join a team and pick up more dinners.