UUFM Sponsors a Blessing Box and Little Free Library at Wonder Workshop
To contribute items, contact Doug at kbsi@cox.net. Or, drop by Wonder Workshop, at 506 S 4th Street, and stock the box with your items. Our box is in demand, and we’re short on financial donations to replenish staples. You can contribute financially to help keep the box full at uufm.net/donate.
The Blessing Box is for people to take what they need and leave what they can. The box is stocked with non-perishable food items and life-essential items such as feminine hygiene products, toothpaste and soap.
We’re also sponsoring a Little Free Library at Wonder Workshop in memory of Richard Pitts. To contribute books, contact Doug Walter at kbsi@cox.net. You’re also welcome to stock the library directly. Our Little Free Library focuses on books for children and youth. UUFM’s box is registered with the international organization as box number 107632, and is on the international map of Little Free Libraries. Learn more at littlefreelibrary.org.
“Blessing Boxes for Manhattan/Riley County is an initiative of the Food and Farm Council of Riley Co. BBFM is an outdoor food pantry that serves those in need 24/7. If you need a blessing, donations are available and if you are blessed, leave a blessing.” — from https://www.facebook.com/blessingboxesformanhattan/.
Afghan Refugee Resettlement Effort
Board Chair Judy Nickelson notes, “Some of you have expressed an interest in donating funds to help the Afghan refugees coming to Manhattan. We have set up a fund at the Fellowship for that pur-pose. You can make out a check to UUFM and note [in the memo line] that it is for the Afghan Refugee Fund.”
Or, donate electronically at uufm.net/donate.
Susan Adamchak will collect and store sheets, blankets, comforters and towels for the families. Contact Susan at sadamchak@kansas.net to arrange a pick up or drop off of your items.
In addition, Susan tells us, “We have also forged a collaboration with Kitchen Restore. They will accept donations of kitchen items, and will sort and pack them into kits we will be able to distribute to each family or living group … any donated items not needed by the Afghan households can be used to replenish KR supplies to help others in our community.”
Learn about most needed kitchen items and where to bring them at KitchenRestoreFlyer
Helping Hands
In December, Helping Hands contributions will be collected for the Riley County Humane Society. Learn more about their work at www.rchsks.org/.
As we gather Sunday mornings your contributions to our collection basket benefit the month’s Helping Hands recipient. You can also donate online at uufm.net/donate/.
The Racial Justice Team Recommends …
Each month, the UUFM Racial Justice Team recommends ways to learn more about history, current events and how we can become more anti-racist.
Our December recommendations:
- Book: An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. Published by Beacon Press. There is also a version written for adolescents.
- Movie: The Good Lie, is a movie (2014) starring Reese Witherspoon about a group of Sudanese refugees placed in Kansas City. Watching this might help us better understand what the Afghan refugees settling in Manhattan are going through.
- Podcast: Bound for Justice – A weekly podcast that explores Race, Reconciliation, and Social Justice … one book at time. Listen for a candid discussion about taking steps to create change in our lives and the communities we live in.
If you have a recommendation, you can send it to Marisa Larson at marisa.larson@gmail.com.
Social Justice and Anti-Racism Resources
Check out this list of social justice/anti-racism resources at uufm.net/social-action-2/social-action-resources/. If you would like to suggest resources to add to the list, or have questions, please contact Marisa Larson at marisa.larson@gmail.com.
Contact UUFM Social Action Coordinator Kathy Swenson at swenson.home@gmail.com, to learn about all social justice efforts at the Fellowship.