Holiday Giving Programs
Open Arms Mission provides help in a multitude of ways to meet the needs of our neighbors who come to us. As a weekly Food Pantry our volunteers provide a caring, personal touch to all who come through our door. Due to the increasing impact of economic hardships, the numbers of neighbors in need continues to increase on a regular basis. The holidays though have always been a time when people are most in need. Imagine suddenly having no income or a very limited income and not being able to meet your rent, mortgage or utility bills - how would you provide a traditional holiday meal for your family or Christmas gifts for your children. Join us by participating in the following programs that have been developed to meet those holiday needs.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner - Join us in celebrating with neighbors who might need an extra hug and a home cooked Holiday Meal… This year we will cook a traditional Thanksgiving feast for 100 to be served on Saturday, November 19 at noon at the Antioch Senior Center located at 817 Holbeck Drive. Community volunteers gather to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for those who might be alone or do not have the means for a hot meal.
Holiday Meal Boxes - Your contribution of $25.00 can cover a family Holiday Meal Box to ensure a neighboring family has the opportunity to celebrate with traditional holiday fixings… A special food box is distributed before Thanksgiving and Christmas that contain all the fixings for a traditional family meal feeding up to eight, including a 12-14 pound turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables and dessert. In addition, OAM purchases items such as milk, butter, fresh eggs, celery, coffee/tea, pancake mix, syrup and more to help make it a complete Holiday weekend. In 2010 we provided 838 Holiday Meal Boxes for neighbors during the two Holidays. So join OAM in assisting neighbors, $25.00 covers one family for one Holiday.
Adopt-A Family – A special program providing less fortunate neighbors with a holiday of gifts for their children… OAM meets with each family to assess their greatest needs for their children. A "needs/ wish list" which includes necessities such as winter coats and gloves, shoes and boots, pajamas and other clothing items along with a fun or educational gift is written and then shared with shoppers. Individuals, families and organizations "adopt" a family size of their choosing to shop for. In 2010 we distributed holiday gifts to 569 children! Join us in making a neighboring child’s Holiday a little more special. You can help by shopping off of a list or a cash donation where we provide the shoppers.
Contact OAM via email info@openarmsmission.org or call (847)395-0309