Compassion for Campers Drive Continues

Note: This post was adapted from an article by Pam Sourelis The Voice, newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry

The Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation (UUC) in McHenry thanks you for all of your generous contributions to the Compassion for Campers drive. The drive will continue during the five months of the PADS sites off-season.

So we need your continued support.

Here is a story that will inspire you, shared by Ken West on his Facebook page:

A young person I know, Francisco Arreola, walked 14 miles this a.m. to my church—the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry—to deliver much needed items for our community's homeless. Francisco does not have access to transportation. The program is called Compassion for Campers and any toilet paper, toiletries, bug spray, sun block and non-perishable food items are most appreciated. These items help them through the warm season when the shelters are closed.

YAAAAAAAYYYY Francisco!!!

We have since learned that Francisco used a portion of his graduation money to buy the supplies.

And many thanks to Jail Brakers, who delivered 20 individual camping kits filled with fresh fruit, protein bars, toiletries, and other essentials to the PADS office last week as part of the Compassion for Campers drive.

Thanks also to First Presbyterian Church of Harvard, who has set up a collection box so that their members can take part in this drive.

You can join the effort by dropping off needed items at the UUC, 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry.  Call the church office at 815 322-2464 to confirm when the building will be open to accept contributions.

Campers need insect repellant, sunscreen, toiletries, and non-perishable food.

For a complete list of items needed, please email either Lisa Jacobsen at ourlocalgurl@gmail.com or Sue Rekenthaler at tomatos@mc.net. We will also put you on an action list to keep you informed of needed items and possible volunteer opportunities this summer.

Saturday Night Cookouts

We have also received a request for assistance with the PADS Saturday Night Cookouts. Joseph Brehm, the director at the Cary United Methodist Church Emergency Shelter, holds a cookout every Saturday night at Emrickson Park in Woodstock. The picnic starts at 6:00 P.M.  They usually have about 12 of our homeless neighbors in attendance. Anyone can show up, hopefully with a dish to share, pitch in, and socialize. Joseph is also looking for people to be part of a regular rotation or donations. Please contact either Lisa Jacobsen or Sue Rekenthaler if you are interested in this project.

Music4Martin Celebrates 10 Years With a Great New Show

My friend Ken West, a fellow member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry, has been helping young people find their creative voices and celebrating the life and work of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. for a long time.  In fact this year will be the 10th Anniversary Music4Martin program, slated for at 3:30, Sunday March 11 at Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road in Woodstock.

And I have been proud to promote the wonderful event here on this blog every year since it started burning up electrons.  Over the years I have seen many young people from our congregation share their amazing talents.  But they aren’t alone.  They are joined by children and youth from the Woodstock area and talented adult performers as well.

Here is how Ken describes this year’s event:

You will not want to miss Music4Martin 2012! As always, we have a series of songs reflecting the messages of Dr. King. We will perform songs from the late Jackie Wilson, Tracy Chapman, Fitz & The Tantrums, the Judds, and John Mellencamp as well as songs especially written for M4M12. There will also be dance and spoken word expressions. And in keeping with M4M tradition, Gabe Karagianis will perform his “Live” painting as the program unfolds. Come support and enjoy the talented inter-generational cast of fellow community members as they remind us of the continuing impact of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. See you there!