‘Keep Hope Alive’ night culminates season of giving

Dec. 1 gave Mission team time to gather and pack all the treasures collected through the season for people in need.

The team was able to grant gift wishes from the kids of Alpha Christian children’s home. Each child got a gift from their wish list. We also gave gift packages to the home for the six kids who are expected by the end of December.

The big project of the night was packing ‘Bags of Hope’ for the Topeka Rescue Mission.

Traditionally, PHUMC packs 50 bags for TRM. However, after consulting with those in charge, Mission team discovered that the organization really needed more bags to accommodate everyone living at the mission.

Quickly reordering supplies, especially bags, was the needed fix.

Mission team also reevaluated some of the contents of the bags. TRM recommended that we give less food because food was already provided in common areas of the facility. They also suggested addressing more of the mental and emotional needs of the needy.

Therefore, in addition to the warm clothes, water bottles, flashlights, and a thermal blanket, we also added items like brain puzzle books, inspirational bracelets, and a writing journal to each bag.

Approximately 50 people showed up to help pack the bags. Mixed with the hard work, we also enjoyed cookies and coffee. After all the bags were packed, the group played a rousing game of KaHoot Christmas trivia.