Collective Aid is a ministry to aid the organizations that, through the love of Christ and volunteer hours, make our community a better place. Together we can make a difference.
Christ loves the church, and his greatest command for us was to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:35-40). We are to be his hands and feet here on earth, where we live, work and worship. The best way we can do that is to provide for the organizations around us that strive daily to make a difference in our community.
Each month, Life Church Vineyard has designated a recipient for donation. The boxes below tell of each organization’s mission and has a detailed list of their needs. There is an area inside the church for collection.
MINISTRY OF THE MONTH
JANUARY: FOUNDATION SHELTER/DINNERS
The Foundation Shelters/Dinners are dedicated to responding to the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:31-46). He calls upon each follower to respond to the needs of the downcast with a merciful heart, supplying not only words, but also and most importantly, deeds.
NEEDS: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Soap, Wipes, Paper Towels, 8 oz foam cups and cereal bowls, Socks, Underclothing, Coats & Sock Caps in the Winter, Shoes & Gloves, Blankets, Sleeping bags, Personal Item Packets, Single Bed Sheets & Pillows, Towels & Washcloths, Washing Detergent, Cleaning Products for the Building.
FEBRUARY: The Refuge
The Refuge is a leading faith-based, non-profit addiction recovery ministry founded in Ohio in 1999. The mission of The Refuge is to change the lives of men affected by addiction through Christ. Their goal is to take men from active addiction to becoming responsible men of God, who go on to serve as lights to their families and communities. They do so through The Refuge Residential Addiction Recovery Programs.
NEEDS: toiletries (toothpaste and brushes especially), toilet paper, paper towels, sheets for Twin Beds, Pillowcases, NIV Study Bibles, Journals, 18 Gallon Totes with Lids
MARCH & APRIL: LANCASTER VINEYARD FOOD PANTRY
The LVC food pantry originally began in 2001 in a church member’s basement. Years later, it is now housed in its own building, the Agape Ministry Center, located at 423 West Wheeling St. in Lancaster, Ohio. The ‘win’ for the Lancaster Vineyard food pantry is to move their clients towards a relationship with Christ by serving them in a warm, hospitable manner.
NEEDS: toiletries: pads and tampons, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner. condiments: ketchup mustard and mayo and any spices. These items are not always able to be ordered through Mid-Ohio Food Bank.
MAY & June: Pregnancy Decision Health Center & Bottoms Up Diaper bank
For more than four decades, Pregnancy Decision Health Center has been providing vital resources to women in Central Ohio. They’re here for you with free pregnancy tests, prenatal vitamins, pregnancy & parenting classes, clothes, diapers, car seats and more. Bottoms Up Diaper Bank collects diapers for those who have trouble affording them.
PDHC NEEDS: diapers, wipes, bottles, bibs, car seats, baby blankets, baby clothing (all new items only) Or take a baby bottle to fill with $$.
BOTTOMS UP NEEDS: diapers of various sizes
JULY & AUGUST: SCHOOL SUPPLIES
The months of July and August we will be collecting school supplies to donate to Fairfield Union School district.
NEEDS: The needs will be shared when we receive them from the district. There will be physical lists on the Collective Aid station.
sEPTEMBER: PB & Joy
The PB & Joy program: Provides a bag of food, once a month, to every child that is signed up for the program. There is no income guidelines for families. They simply fill out a form and the child is added to the program.
This program services the local school districts, including the preschools in some cases.
OCTOBER: LANCASTER VINEYARD FOOD PANTRY
Located at 423 W Wheeling St. Lancaster, OH, 43130.
They are open Wednesdays, 3:00pm-6:30pm
Thanksgiving meal box items:
Canned corn, canned green beans, egg noodles, turkey roasting pans.
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER: JOB & FAMILY SERVICES
HOLIDAY DONATION DRIVE
Fairfield County Job and Family Services provides services such as food, cash, childcare, transportation and medical assistance; child and adult protection; child support enforcement; and employment assistance. Their mission is to protect children and elderly, encourage family stability, and promote self-reliance for a stronger community.
NEEDS: Will be shared as ornaments at Collective Aid station in the atrium
Current outreach opportunities
Foundation Dinners is able to have a number of volunteers help in food preparation as well as counseling, job search assistance and more to help express compassion to those who need it here in Lancaster. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Rick Chrysler at 740-974-4256. For directions to Foundation Dinners, click HERE.
Foundation Shelters is in need of the following: coffee, coffee creamer, sugar, styrofoam cups, large and small trash bags, coats, gloves and hats and your prayers.
Breakfast 4 U Pleasantville could use your help packaging breakfast bags for school-age children every Tuesday 6pm at Pleasantville UMC. Usually takes about 30 minutes.
Grace Haven New & Used Store located at 333 S. Broad St in Lancaster, could always use help organizing and working during store hours. Contact Kellie Argyle if you are interested: (740)974-1391
Lancaster Vineyard Food Pantry located at 423 West Wheeling Street Lancaster. They are open to the public every Wednesday from 3:00-6:30pm. To volunteer please contact Cindy Hill (740)215-0159. They need help with unloading trucks, helping clients load their groceries and various other things. Learn more about the pantry and how you can help: https://www.lancastervineyard.org/food-pantry
LifeWise Academy: LifeWise is an RTRI program that provides Bible-based education to public school students. LifeWise serves alongside educators by reinforcing and complementing their efforts. A Positive Impact. Released Time Instruction. Investing In Our Future. Here are the links to the local schools participating:
https://lifewise.org/district/3904420-oh-fairfield-county-lancaster-city
https://lifewise.org/district/3904686-oh-fairfield-county-bloom-carroll-local
https://lifewise.org/district/3904687-oh-fairfield-county-fairfield-union-local
Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio: Ways to get involved