Consider giving to one or more of these special collections this holiday season.

If you want to give in honor of someone in lieu of buying a gift, be sure to pick up a card from the church to send informing them of the gift you’ve made on their behalf.

You may also be in the situation of simply not needing to receive gifts this year. If that describes you, let folks in your life know that a charitable contribution in your name would be a great present for you this year.

If you’re giving a monetary gift, be sure your check or envelope is clearly marked and be sure to give within the designated collection dates.

Most importantly, give to the cause that is closest to your heart. This Christmas may our generosity be a sign of God’s ongoing presence in the world.

Pet Food Collection
Helping our Furry Friends

Our children and youth are working on a special project to support local organizations who seek to save the lives of stray, abandoned, abused or surrendered animals. The children will join with some of the Sewing Sisters to make Pet Beds to be donated. We will also be collecting the following supplies:

  • Purina Cat/Dog Chow
  • Friskies Kitten Chow
  • Friskies canned food
  • Small cat/dog treats

The deadline for the donations is December 24th, when items will be accepted at the Christmas Eve breakfast.

Reverse Advent Food Collection
Feeding our Neighbors

Collect a box of shelf-stable foods on the list (see our Dec. calendar). Add a food item each day during Advent and bring your box by Christmas Eve. We’ll see that it gets delivered to CUOC to help a family in need.

Collection Dates: Dec. 1-24

Presbyterian Women Haven Collection
Helping the Vulnerable Among Us

Bring items to support people escaping domestic violence and to the PW event on Dec. 9. These household items help to support survivors who are working towards living independently. We are collecting: 

  • Laundry detergent (pods preferred)
  • Bleach wipes
  • Trash bags (large and 13 gallon)
  • Paper towels and toilet paper
  • Household cleaning supplies
  • Lysol spray
  • Dish detergent
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Deodorant

Learn more about HAVEN here.

Collection Date: Dec. 9

Build a Tiny Home in WNC
Helping after Hurricane Helene

As a church, we are partnering with Squared Away Response to help provide safe tiny houses or campers for people in WNC who lost their homes in Hurricane Helene. Our Session has already donated funds to provide one home, and we have pledged to see another funded before the end of the year. Help us to build a second tiny house by donating to this cause! Each house costs $5,000 which includes the materials to build the home, solar powered electricity, heaters, a carbon and smoke detector, a generator, and more. All labor is currently being provided by volunteers.

Learn more about Square Away Response in this local news feature.

Collection Dates: Now through Dec. 24

Christmas Joy Offering
Supporting the Work of Fellow Presbyterians

The PC(USA) Christmas Joy offering supports current and retired church workers in their time of need and develops our future leaders at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. Learn more here.

Collection Dates: Dec. 22-29