"Christmas in November"
Soup and Salad Luncheon Fundraiser for Hillcrest House

Sunday, November 7, 2010 following Worship Service

In November 2010, a soup-and-salad luncheon was held in Fellowship Hall after worship services that day to raise funds and awareness for the church's support of Hudson River Housing's Hillcrest House homeless shelter. The event was such a success that it has since become an annual event.

Proceeds from the luncheon go towards Christmas gifts for the 60 overnight guests at Hillcrest House as a demonstration of God's love and kindness in the midst of their hardship. A few generous patrons had previously donated 60 scarves, 18 hats, 18 sets of mittens and gloves, 60 small tissue packages, 100 lip balms, and 60 long-sleeved t-shirts for the Christmas gift packages. Our own Weekday Nursery School provided snack crackers for inclusion in the packages. Those who attended the luncheon were asked to donate funds or material to fill out the remainder of the gift packages:

• 42 hats
• 30 sets of mittens or gloves
• 60 pairs of tube socks
• 60 candy canes
• 1 3-to-5 pound bag of Starlite Mints
• $600 for meal gift cards