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Dear First Church Community,

The Missions & Social Justice Committee has had another eventful year of supporting the work of non-profits both near and far. As we approach the Advent season, we want to share with you a list of organizations with which First Church partners closely and who are seeking donations.

In the case that you and your family are in a position to support any of these organizations, we hope that you find the list helpful. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jaz Buchanan at jaz@firstchurchcambridge.org, staff liaison to the Missions & Social Justice Committee.

Christmas at the First Church Shelter

At Christmas, each Shelter guest receives a $50 gift card for personal purchases. Would you like to sponsor one this year? Your donation will truly be appreciated by the Shelter guest. Donate on our website.

Friday Café

This year, Friday Café will be hosting a table at our Alternative Christmas Fair on December 11. There is a need this year for warm, quality boots. Visit their table during the fair in Margaret Jewett Hall to support them, and purchase a pair of boots!

City Mission Christmas Shop and Coat Boston

As is our tradition, First Church will collect unwrapped gifts for the Christmas Shop and Coat Boston during our worship service on Sunday, December 4.

• Christmas Shop
  For decades, the City Mission Christmas Shop has served as a catalyst for people of faith to reach out to others. Each year City Mission collects thousands of gifts―clothes, toys, books, and household goods―from churches, businesses, and other organizations. The gifts collected are made available to City Mission’s Homelessness Prevention clients and other community partners who distribute gifts to their own clients. City Mission accepts only NEW items. Visit here for a list of requested gifts. 
• Coat Boston
  City Mission believes that all children in Boston deserve to be warm and safe each winter. Coat Boston ensures that all children, from toddlers to teens, have the warm winter coats they need. Last year, City Mission provided over 1,400 winter coats to children in Boston! NEW unused coats that are donated will be given directly to schools and organizations that serve Boston youth.

Helping Hands Food Pantry

Donations continue to be welcomed and needed for the Food Pantry hosted by St. James Episcopal Church in Porter Square, Cambridge. The Food Pantry is looking for cereals and granola, canned fruit and veggies, proteins, condiments, and cooking oil. Diapers and feminine products are welcome, too. Fresh or frozen food cannot be accepted. Also please be sure that your contributions are unopened, unexpired, and not in glass containers. Please bring your holiday season donations to First Church on Sunday, December 4 and Sunday, January 1.

Solutions at Work Toy Drive

SAW is accepting donations of new toys for children aged newborn to 13 years, as well as gift cards to offer to clients as a part of their Christmas giving program. To donate, there are three options:

1. Bring items to the basement of 1151 Mass Ave in Cambridge on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays until December 15 at 4:00 p.m. Ring doorbell #1 to drop off the gifts.
2. Visit the SAW table at the Alternative Christmas Fair in MJH on December 11.
3. Purchase something from their wishlist and have it shipped directly to their location.

Thank you for your generosity!