View this email in your browser

Greetings Friends!

Normally at this time of year, Open Arms Ministry and our extended family, is gearing up to participate in the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Annual Hunger Walk. On a Saturday morning in September, we all gather at Jackson Park on the city’s southside. There’s lots of love, laughter, & fellowship. Then, along with about 10,000 of our closest friends, we take a stroll along the lake. This is all done to bring awareness to the issue of food insecurity, while simultaneously raising funds to combat this serious problem.

Unfortunately, we are living in different times, and COVID-19 has necessitated the cancellation of this year’s event. While it was sad to learn there would be no Hunger walk this year, we viewed this as an opportunity explore other ways to be of service to our brothers & sisters, currently struggling through financial poverty. To do so, we will be going back to our roots! Before there was an Open Arms Ministry to speak of, there was The Warming Center. On Friday nights, they would go out to visit with those living on the streets and distribute kits of some necessities. So, we’re going to do the same thing.

Beginning on September 19^th, and every third Saturday thereafter, we’ll meet up at New Community Covenant Church to package Care Kits and SPREAD OUT across Logan Square and other areas of the city to distribute them to those who are experiencing homelessness.

Each kit will consist of the following:
Masks
Hand Sanitizer
Fruits & Snacks
Toothpaste, Toothbrush, & Mouth Wash
Shaving Cream & Razor
Soap, Shampoo, & Conditioner
Lotion

Our goal is to pack & distribute at least 600 kits each month, so we’ll need a little help. We also need people to assist with planning these events, building awareness in the community, and making cloth masks. Will you volunteer to join us for Spread Out Saturdays? If you’re interested in helping in any of the previously mentioned areas, click on the link below to complete the sign-up form:

Volunteer

As you might imagine, there are costs associated with the purchase of the materials required to make these kits. Even if you’re unable to attend, your financial support will help ensure we’re able to meet a small portion of the basic needs of our brothers & sisters. To make a financial donation toward Spread Out Saturdays, click the link below:

Donate

***One Last Thing***
We are in the season of COVID, so it is important to note that we will be following recommended safety precautions: social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, sanitizing all work stations.

As always, I thank you for your continued support of the work of Open Arms Ministry. I hope to see you on September 19^th.
Darrel

Copyright © *2020* *Open Arms Ministry*, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
*2649 N Francisco Ave. Chicago, IL 60647*

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.