The mid-high youth met with Rev. Valerie McEntee, the Night Minister at Open Cathedral, to talk about homelessness and what might be useful and also fun for folks to receive at Christmas. As CCSM does sandwiches for Open Cathedral on the 4th Sundays of the month, it means we often are in charge of the meal near Christmas time. That Sunday, we like to hand out bags with other items as well to make it special.

This year, the youth are taking charge of the drive! Please start thinking now about what you might be able to contribute. We’d like to have items by November 15 so we can prepare for distribution. Here are the items that the youth are specifically hoping to collect. (We need to create 100 bags, but if you cannot donate 100 of the same item that’s fine, smaller quantities help too!)

Bags (reusable bags such as tote bags, backpacks, etc.) to hold the items

Rain ponchos

New socks 

Bottled water or reusable water bottles 

Healthy snacks or small treats (i.e. energy bars, wrapped chocolates)

Small shampoo/conditioner/soap (unscented if possible)

Something “fun!” (i.e. crossword puzzle or Sudoku books)

Anything else! If your office has extra “swag” or promotional items (i.e. small flashlights, travel mugs, etc.) those can work well!