By Elizabeth Corbett, Programs & Membership Coordinator
Last month I mentioned some ways you can volunteer around Westside, and in this column I’ll talk about a couple of ways you can get involved with Awesome Found, our Justice and Generosity Partner for this quarter.
First…..I hope you know all about the Hanging of the Greens this Sunday 12/15 after church! It’s always a fun time with cookies, lots of Santa hats, and music. Westside’s Religious Education Coordinator, Leslie Brussel-Smith, is planning activities for children (but anyone can take part), including a special session of making origami ornaments to hang on the tree. Now that sounds fun! Please see this week’s (12/11) newsletter for more information.
A few people have spoken to me about supporting a Family Promise child for the holidays. I’m happy to say that all were spoken for quickly. But here’s another opportunity to support a child now and maybe at other times throughout the year. In early October, Westsider Morgan shared their story and about a group near and dear to their heart called Nerdfighter Moms. Nerdfighter Moms has a charity called Awesome Found, and this organization is Westside’s Justice and Generosity Partner this quarter. That means you can donate to this organization directly through the box at the back of the sanctuary or through this link that’s also in the newsletter. If you haven’t viewed Morgan’s service, I really encourage you to see it on Westside's YouTube channel. Recently Morgan posted on Facebook that they’ve been exploring the possibilities of a pen pal program to link Westsiders with parents and families in need of encouragement and support. Please let me know if you're interested at (see directory for email link.). I think it’d be a wonderful opportunity for some of us to get together and write letters of support to a family that needs an extra hug!
Another way to support Nerdfighter Moms is through the Elves program. If you’d like to support a child who wouldn’t otherwise have holiday gifts, please contact me SOON at (see directory for email link.). I'm looking for a few other people to help support a couple of kids. Let’s get together to give a joyful Christmas to some area kids!
So much for us happy elves to participate in and enjoy! Please consider volunteering at Westside in the next few weeks if you’re not up to one of the above projects. Westside can always use greeters, coffee hosts, and safety coordinators. And if you have any other questions or suggestions, email me at (see directory for email link.). Looking forward to talking with you.