Holiday Cheer: Ginghamsburg Church goes the distance to volunteer
For five years, volunteers from Ginghamsburg Church have traveled over four hours from Tipp City, Ohio to Chicago to spend a weekend giving back. The group works with local organizations, like H.O.M.E., to give their time and their talent to people who are living in Chicago on low-incomes and facing varied obstacles.
The group, led by Lee and Shannon Helton, spent the first two years weatherizing homes for seniors through H.O.M.E.'s volunteer program. Three years ago, they decided they wanted to do more.
For the past three years, they have kicked off their weekend by hosting the holiday party for all of our residents. They spend Friday afternoon decorating and cooking in the Nathalie Salmon House community room. The team serves dinner to H.O.M.E. residents and provides entertainment such as bingo and singing Christmas carols. The seniors and families who live in our intergenerational housing have been so appreciative for the holiday cheer that they spread!
The group spends the remainder of the weekend giving back at other organizations througout the city. This Saturday they worked at the Greater Chicago Food Depository sorting food that will be distributed to agencies throughout the Chicago area to feed people who are facing hunger this season.
As a member agency of the food depository, H.O.M.E. receives food at greatly reduced costs to offer nutrtious meals to our seniors who live in our shared living residences. Volunteers, such as the group from Ginghamsburg Church, can indicate that they are volunteering on behalf of H.O.M.E. Then, we receive credits at the Depository to use to purchase food for our clients.
We are so grateful for the volunteers who come all the way from Ohio to share their time with us each year. It is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season and we are hoping to see these smiling faces again next year!
Do you know a group that is looking for a way to give back? Check out the ways that you and your group can get involved this season and throughout the year by clicking on the link below:
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