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 stocked 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/.
Helping Hands
In March, Helping Hands contributions will be collected for Wonder Workshop, providing opportunities for growth and learning to area children. Learn more at www.wonderworkshop.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/.
Helping Hands Selection Committee Forming
The UUFM Helping Hands Committee will be selecting ten recipients for the monthly Helping Hands offerings. Applications have been mailed and emailed to all nominated organizations with a deadline of March 31. We will meet early in April to decide which we should sponsor for FY 2022/23. Please contact Kathy Swenson at swenson.home@gmail.com to volunteer for the selection committee. List some dates in early April that work for you, and if you prefer to meet in person or on Zoom.
Newly nominated organizations are: Katie’s Way, Konza Student Table, Manhattan Mutual Aid, Manhattan Afghan Resettlement Team, National Federation of the Blind, International Rescue Committee, and Riley County Verde Clovers. Ten of last year’s recipients are also on the list: Riley County Humane Society, Project EXCELL, Kansas Abortion Fund, Wonder Workshop, Fairy Godmothers, Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan, Sunflower CASA, The Guardians, and Flint Hills Community Clinic. Two organizations are recipients every year: Shepherd’s Crossing and Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Inc.
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 purpose. 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. Currently, there is a need for floor and table lamps. 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
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.