Festival of Sharing

Posted on by Steve Scott

festivallogoThe Festival of Sharing project provides a structure for identifying critical needs for people in Missouri and around the world and providing resources to trusted agencies for distribution to those in need. 2022 will be our church’s 15th year collaborating with participants other faith groups to help provide these resources. The Rev. Mel West, Retired, inaugurated this project in the 1980s through the newly formed United Methodist Office of Creative Ministry.

The activities culminate with Ingatherings in the fall at several locations around the state. Groups from all over Missouri bring the gifts they have created and collected. Any extra supplies are used for creating more kits and packs.

We participate in the Festival of Sharing (FoS) because we care about people living with injustice, poverty, hunger, high infant and maternal mortality and crises. We want to make a difference, one kit at a time. For more information, email Festival of Sharing Chair Bonnie Johnson.

On this page:

2021-22 Festival of Sharing Plans

In 2021-22, the Festival of Sharing Team plans to continue the last three years’ practice of collecting donations for one specific “Sharing Pack” each month. For more information, email Festival of Sharing Chair Bonnie Johnson.

August 2022

For the month of August, the Festival of Sharing focus is on “Church World Service School Kits.” These packs are for elementary school students who could not otherwise afford these supplies. Place all items in a large ziplock bag (2 to 2.5 gallon).

  • 3 70-page spiral or tape bound notebooks
  • 1 hand-held pencil sharpener (remove packaging)
  • 1 pair of round-tip blunt metal scissors
  • 1 large eraser
  • 1 box of 24 crayons
  • 1 12-inch ruler
  • 6 new unsharpened pencils with erasers (remove packaging)

Collection boxes are available in the church greeting area.

July 2022

For the month of July, the focus is on the “Missouri Reading and Writing Pack.” These packs are for elementary school students who could not otherwise afford these supplies. Place all items in a large ziplock bag (2 – 2.5 gallon).

  • 2 70-page spiral or tape bound notebooks
  • 6 new pencils with erasers
  • 1 pencil holder
  • 4 folders with pockets
  • 1 12-inch ruler
  • 1 pair of child-sized metal scissors
  • 1 large eraser
  • 1 box of 24 crayons
  • 1 box of 10 markers (only 10)

2,997 of these packs were requested in 2021, but only 1,387 were shared. Collection boxes are available in the church greeting area.

June 2022

For the month of June, the focus is on the “Church World Service Hygiene Kit.” These kits are for adults who have experienced a crisis situation or are experiencing homelessness. Contents:

  • 1 washcloth
  • 1 hand towel (approximately 15 x 28 inches) – please, no fingertip, bath or microfiber towels
  • 1 nail clipper
  • 1 toothbrush (in original package)
  • 1 bath-size bar of soap (in package)
  • 10 box standard-size Band-Aids
  • 1 wide-tooth comb

Collection boxes will be available at the church.

May 2022

For the month of May, the focus is on the “Church World Service Cleanup Bucket.” Each bucket will consist of the items listed below. Place all items in the bucket, making sure they are packed securely to avoid damage. Snap the lid on tight and seal with packing tape. We recognize that this is a large, expensive kit, and we have only been asked to provide two from our congregation. If you wish to contribute a portion of the items, please contact the Festival of Sharing chair to coordinate the assembly of complete kits.

  • 1 bucket with resealable lid (5 gallon only; clean out any used buckets, but do not use if it has ever held chemicals of any kind)
  • 24-48 heavy-duty trash bags, 30-45 gallons (remove any cardboard packaging)
  • 18 reusable cleaning wipes
  • 1 bottle of liquid household cleaner, water mixable (no spray bottles)
  • 1 non-aerosol insect repellent (6-9 oz.)
  • 1 scrub brush (plastic or wood)
  • 2 pairs non-surgical latex gloves, suitable for multiple uses.
  • 1 50-oz. or 2 25-oz. liquid laundry detergent (bottles only)
  • 1 pair work gloves (cotton with leather palm or all leather)
  • 7 sponges, including one large one
  • 1 100-foot or 2 50-foot clotheslines.
  • 48-50 clothespins
  • 4 scouring pads
  • 5 dust masks

Collection boxes will be available at the church.

April 2022

For the month of April, the Festival of Sharing focus is on the “Missouri Youth Personal Care Pack.” These packs are for youth ages 12-18 who have experienced a crisis situation and who have been placed in state care or are experiencing homelessness. Items will be placed in drawstring bags that will be provided by the Festival of Sharing Team.

  • 1 chapstick
  • 1 bottle hand sanitizer (3 oz)
  • 1 fleece throw
  • 1 washcloth
  • 1 deodorant
  • 1 comb or brush
  • 1 box medicated facial cleansing pads (such as Stridex)
  • 1 travel-size toothpaste
  • 1 travel size conditioner
  • 1 men’s body spray or 1 small package of feminine pads

In 2020, there were requests for 390 of these packs statewide, but only 158 were provided. Collection boxes will be available at the church office.

March 2022

For the month of March, the focus is on the “Missouri Personal Hygiene Pack”. These packs are for adults who have experienced a crisis situation or are experiencing homelessness. Place all items in a large ziplock bag (2 – 2.5 gallon).

  • 1 fluoride toothpaste (6 oz or more)
  • 1 bath-size bar of soap (in package)
  • 1 bottle skin lotion (11-14 oz)
  • 1 bottle shampoo (11-14 oz) – hair shampoo, NOT body shampoo, please
  • 1 washcloth
  • 1 deodorant
  • 2 razors (disposable)
  • 1 comb or brush
  • 1 hand towel

In 2020 there were requests for 4,993 packs state-wide, but only 1,553 were provided. Collection boxes are available in the church Greeting Area.

February 2022

For the month of February, the focus is on the “Missouri Baby Bundle Pack.” Each box will consist of the following items:

  • 2 receiving blankets
  • 1 sweater or sweatshirt
  • 2 sleepers
  • 3-pack of onesies

In 2020, there were requests for 827 packs state-wide, but only 687 were provided. Collection boxes are available by the church office.

January 2022

For the month of January, the focus is on the “Missouri Paper Products Pack.” These packs are intended for families with low incomes. We are asking for donations for this project a second time in the church year because of the coronavirus-driven need for these products. Each pack will consist of the following items:

  • 3 wrapped packages of toilet paper with 4 double rolls each (unable to receive 12 rolls in one package)
  • 2 rolls of good quality paper towels
  • 2 large rectangular boxes of facial tissue

In 2020, there were requests for 5,244 of these packs statewide, but only 777 were provided. Paper products are critical for low-income families because food assistance coupons cannot be used to purchase them.

Collection boxes are available in the church Greeting Area.

December 2021

For the month of December, the Festival of Sharing focus is on the “Missouri Student Dental Pack.” Place all items in a large ziplock bag (2- to 2.5-gallon).

  • 1 fluoride toothpaste (6 oz. or more)
  • 4 child-sized soft toothbrushes (in original package)
  • 1 dental floss or 1 package of floss picks (any size)

In 2020, there were requests for 3,120 of these packs statewide, but only 1,120 were provided. Collection boxes are available at the church office.

November 2021

For the month of November, the Festival of Sharing focus is on the “Missouri Family Food Boxes” project. These are targeted for families with low incomes. We are asking for donations for this project because of the coronavirus-driven need for these products. Each box will consist of the following items:

  • 3 different cans of vegetables
  • 3 different cans of fruit
  • 3 cans of chicken
  • 3 cans of tuna
  • 1 can of pasta sauce
  • 1 lb. pasta (any type)
  • 3 packages macaroni and cheese
  • 1 jar of peanut butter

There is a great need for the food boxes – in 2020, there were requests for 4,918, but only 1,531 were provided. In 2020, your generosity allowed UUCC to provide 12 boxes. Collection boxes will be available in the church Greeting Area.

October 2021

For the month of October, the focus is the Missouri Blankets project. Please donate stain-free, clean blankets.

  • Baby blankets – 36 x 45 including quilts. Not swaddling blankets.
  • Full-size blankets – throws and twin to king size. Quilts are acceptable.

In 2020, there were requests for 1,426 blankets, but only 904 were provided. Collection boxes will be available in the church Greeting Area.

September 2021

For the month of September, Festival of Sharing will focus on the Missouri “Backpacks of Love” project. These are targeted for children from ages 4 to 11. Each pack will consist of the following items:

  • 1 small backpack (no wheels)
  • 1 child’s soft toothbrush
  • 1 4-6 oz. tube of children’s flavored toothpaste
  • 1 T-shirt, child medium/large or adult small
  • 1 small stuffed animal
  • 1 child’s narrow-tooth comb
  • 1 package of 3 pairs underpants

In 2020, there were requests for 500 backpacks but only 268 were provided. Through your generosity, UUCC provided 12 backpacks in 2018. Many of the children who receive the backpacks would otherwise not have the items they provide.

You may leave your donated items in the volunteer work room at church.

2020-21 Festival of Sharing Work

On Sept. 25, the Festival of Sharing Team delivered your gifts to the regional ingathering held at Tipton, Missouri. This included the following:

  • Church World Service Hygiene Kits – 10 ($150 value)
  • Church World Service School Kits – 7 ($105)
  • Eyeglasses – 4 ($4)
  • Shoes – 1 ($1)
  • Missouri Baby Bundles – 11 ($385)
  • Missouri Backpacks of Love – 21 ($735)
  • Missouri Backpack Blankets – 9 ($45)
  • Missouri Blankets – 10 ($120)
  • Missouri Family Food Packs – 12 ($300)
  • Missouri Paper Products Packs – 7 ($112)
  • Missouri Reading and Writing Packs – 18 ($270)
  • Missouri Student Dental Packs – 8 ($88)
  • Cash Gifts – $682.00

Through your generosity we delivered a 2021 total of $2,997.00. Thank you to all who contributed!

Bonnie Johnson
Festival of Sharing Chair

2019-20 Festival of Sharing Work

September 2020 finished up the Festival of Sharing year, and the in-gatherings were held. Mark and I loaded all the kits that UUCC created into our minivan and drove them to Tipton United Methodist Church, the in-gathering location for Central Missouri, on Oct. 10.

With the new Covid-19 instructions not to get out of the vehicle, we were to only roll down the window to hand over the paperwork, then unlock the doors to let them unload without contact. We arrived after they had been open for about 30 minutes, and we seemed to wow them with what we brought. They were impressed with the quantity of paper products packs and family food boxes we delivered.

Following is a comparison between the 2018-19 year and the 2019-20 year Festival of Sharing giving from UUCC. It is down, but given that seven months of the year were under Covid restrictions, I think we did well.

Project 2019 2020
Cash $700 $400
CWS Hygiene Kits 10 – $150  
School Kits 20 – $300 1 – $15
Eyeglasses 27 – $27 30 – $30
Missouri Baby Bundles 6 – $210 7 – $245
Backpacks of Love 17 – $595 14 – $490
Backpack Blankets 1 – $6 12 – $60
Blankets 2 – $25 2 – $24
Family Food Boxes 12 – $336 25 – $700
Paper Products 10 – $150 14 – $224
Personal Hygiene Kits 10 – $200 11 – $231
Reading & Writing Kits 12 – $168 6 – $90
Student Dental Packs 21 – $231 28 – $308
Youth Personal Care Packs 9 – $315 3 – $105
Empty Backpacks 14 – $70  
Totals $3,482 $2,922

– Bonnie Johnson, Festival of Sharing Chair

Our 2018-19 Festival of Sharing Work

For 2018-19, collection for Festival of Sharing was different from past years. Each month the team collected donations for one specific “Sharing Pack.” This format made the process of collecting and assembling donations less stressful as the team prepared to deliver our donations at the Central Region ShareFest on Saturday, Sept. 28 in Tipton, Missouri. The Central Region serves 18 local agencies and nearly 12,000 people in mid-Missouri, in addition to its support of international programs.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with the monthly Festival of Sharing collections. Here’s how we did last year and this year:

Project 2018 2019
CWS* Clean-up Buckets 1 – $75.00  
CWS* Hygiene Kits 27 – $405.00 10 – $150.00
CWS* School Kits 13 – $195.00 20 – $300.00
Eyeglasses 40 – $40.00 27 – $27.00
Shoes 1 – $1.00  
Baby Bundles 4 – $140.00 6 – $210.00
Backpacks of Love 12 – $420.00 17 – $595.00
Backpack blankets   1 – $6.00
Blankets 2 – $24.00 2 – $24.00
Family Food Pack 11 – $308.00 12 – $336.00
Paper Products 2 – $30.00 10 – $150.00
Personal Hygiene Kits 7 – $140.00 10 – $200.00
Reading and Writing Packs 23 – $322.00 12 – $168.00
Seed Packs 18 – $9.00  
Student Dental Packs 24 – $264.00 21 – $231.00
Youth Personal Care Packs 10 – $350.00 9 – $315.00
Empty Backpacks   14 – $70.00
Cash** $800.00 $700.00
Totals $3,523.00 $3,482.00

* Church World Service

** An additional $100.00 was received in late September 2019 after the 2019 check had already been prepared for delivery. This amount will be donated to Festival of Sharing in 2020.

Our 2018 Festival of Sharing Work

The kits and packs we donated and assembled and took to the ingathering at Tipton on Sept. 22, 2018 are on their way, carrying hope, compassion and love. They will be used mostly in Missouri, but some will go to national and international needs. Because of your generosity, we have been able to provide a substantial number of packs and kits for people in need, as follows:

Church World Service

  • Emergency Clean-up Buckets = 1 @ $75 – $75
  • Health Kits – 27 @ $15 = $405
  • School Kits – 13 @ $15 = $195
  • Eyeglasses – 40 @ $1 = $40
  • Shoes (pair) – 1 @ $1 = $1

For Use in Missouri

  • Baby Bundles – 4 @ $35 = $140
  • Backpacks of Love – 12 @ $35 = $420
  • Blanket – 2 @ $12 = $24
  • Family Food Pack – 11 @ $28 = $308
  • Paper Products Pack – 2 @ $15 = $30
  • Personal Hygiene Pack – 7 @ $20 = $140
  • Reading & Writing Pack – 23 @ $14 = $322
  • Seeds Packet – 18 @ 50¢ = $9
  • Student Dental Pack – 24 @ $11 = $264
  • Youth Pack – 10 @ $35 = $350

Total Value of Kits and Packs – $2,723

Cash Gifts

  • $717 for “where needed most”
  • $83 for CWS kit shipping costs

Total overall value = $3,523

Our 2017 Festival of Sharing Work

Our 2017 Festival of Sharing Team, led by Marian Hjelmfelt, began meeting in June 2017 to plan our participation this year.

Our efforts culminated on Oct. 21 when our team took our gifts to the Festival of Sharing Ingathering in Sedalia. We contributed kits, packs and cash having a total value of $4,067, including:

  • Church World Service Kits: 25 health kits, 11 school kits and 39 eyeglasses.
  • Missouri Packs: 14 baby bundles, 12 backpacks of love, 12 backpack blankets, 13 family food packs, 9 personal hygiene packs, 31 reading and writing packs, 18 seed packets, 17 student dental packs, and 10 youth packs.
  • Cash: $1,000 for shipping and other expenses.

– Marian Hjelmfelt, Festival of Sharing Coordinator

Our 2016 Festival of Sharing Work

In 2016 we collaborated with 30 other interfaith denominations to provide critical items for people in need. From May to October, we created Missouri Packs and Church World Service Kits, with items requested by trusted Missouri, national and international aid agencies.  These agencies distribute our gifts for us, networking with the United Methodist Office of Creative Ministry and Church World Service.

On Saturday Oct. 15, David Leuthold, Joann Vest, Mehdi and Melinda Farhangi, and Allen and Marian Hjelmfelt drove to the Missouri State Fair Arena in Sedalia for the 2016 Festival of Sharing Ingathering.

We brought all the boxed Missouri Packs and International Kits. We made many of the International Kits and Missouri Packs, with the money our fellowship provided us this year.

It is such an uplifting experience to come together with people from 31 different denominations, having different beliefs, but sharing similar concerns for people in need.

I hope that you will be interested in experiencing the Festival of Sharing Ingathering next October, so you can experience for yourself what a meaningful experience this is. We are truly making a difference in the lives of people in need. Read more on the Festival of Sharing website.

– Marian Hjelmfelt, Festival of Sharing Coordinator

2016 UUCC Festival of Sharing Summary

  • Cash donated for shipping – $205.50
  • Total value of kits and packs donated – $3,877.00
  • Total value – $4,082.50

Notes: Much of the $1,084.00 collected in the Faith-to-Action offerings in September for Festival of Sharing was used to create additional packs and kits. Some funds were retained in the Festival of Sharing account to start next year’s participation.

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Our 2015 Festival of Sharing Work

From May to October 2015, we created packs and kits with items requested by trusted Missouri, national and international aid agencies. These agencies will distribute our gifts by networking with the United Methodist Office of Creative Ministry.

These kits and packs are now on their way carrying your hope, compassion and love. They will be appreciated by all who receive them.

David Leuthold and Marian Hjelmfelt took all of your gifts to the Ingathering in Sedalia on Saturday, Oct. 17. The youths and adults unloading our gifts were very efficient, and the workers seemed to enjoy being helpful.

The atmosphere inside the arena was so friendly. There were many charitable organizations – local, national and international. We talked with a number of the representatives and received helpful pamphlets.

It was fun to browse the display tables of crafts from Missouri and other countries. I could not resist buying a few fair trade items for holiday presents. We toured the rows of quilts to be auctioned, but did not stay to bid.

I felt so appreciative of the experience of engaging with people who have many different beliefs, but who all share our desire to help make a difference to others in need. I hope you will consider joining us next October to experience what could be meaningful for you.

Feel free to contact me if you would like more information or have questions.

– Marian Hjelmfelt, Coordinator

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Our 2014 Festival of Sharing Work

Kits and Packs We Created:

  • 18 IMA Safe Motherhood Kits
  • 4 IMA Medicine Boxes
  • 9 CWS Health Kits
  • 49 CWS School Kits
  • 50 Missouri School Kits
  • 12 Missouri Prison Packs
  • 5 Missouri Baby Bundle Packs
  • 14 Missouri Backpacks of Love
  • 48 Eyeglasses
  • 4 Personal Hygiene Packs
  • 16 Student Dental Packs
  • 55 Seed Packets

Finances:

  • Value of kits and packs created – $3,090
  • Cash contributions – $1,534, used for shipping and adding medicines and sterile birthing supplies to Church World Service Health Kits and School Kits.
  • Total value of non-cash and cash gifts – $4,624

We could not have been so successful without your sharing your skills, caring and generosity. You are making a difference in the lives of your gift recipients. I am so grateful for what we worked together to accomplish in 2014.

– Marian Hjelmfelt, Coordinator

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2014 Festival of Sharing Ingathering

Your gifts of time, love, resourcefulness, support and generosity make our Festival of Sharing a success. You are making a difference in the lives of many people.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, 2014, we were able to pack all of your gifts in Bonnie Johnson’s minivan, and there was room left over for David Leuthold and Marian Hjelmfelt to car pool with Bonnie for the trip to Sedalia. We arrived early, and our minivan was quickly unloaded by a team of youngsters.

We had time to look at the displays of many organizations and faith groups before the 30-minute worship service in the Missouri State Fair Arena. The opening ceremony began with a banner parade of each of the different participating denominations. To our delight, our banner was the first to enter the arena. Later it was hung by the entrance door. (Pictures of highlights for this Festival of Sharing year will soon be posted at the FofS Display Table in the Greeting Area and on our church website.)

For lunch we bought food prepared by different faith groups. The proceeds go to the Festival of Sharing to fund projects that need more support.

After lunch we did more exploring. Bonnie was especially interested in the 100 quilts being auctioned and was able to explain the way many were quilted. David connected with the Nicaragua project and was able to talk with the woman who will be Rev. Mel West’s and David’s tour guide in Nicaragua.

I was especially interested in the I.M.A. World Health representative’s information. She was delightful to talk with and gave us lots of literature. I.M.A. has expanded their reach. You will be able to see literature from many of the agencies on our display table.

Do consider joining us next October to see for yourself what an amazing experience it is to be part of an interfaith organization that shares many of our Unitarian Universalist values.

– Marian Hjelmfelt, Coordinator

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Our 2013 Festival of Sharing Work

Our work on the 2013 Festival of Sharing was completed in October 2013. Several of our members took our contributions to the Festival of Sharing Ingathering in Sedalia on October 19, 2013.

The value of the kits and packs UUCC donated to the 2013 Festival of Sharing was $2,380. We also took $1,140 in cash contributed by UUCC members and friends to the Ingathering to be used for international shipping and adding missing supplies to kits. More cash contributions were received and were sent on to Festival organizers.

Our 2013 participation in the Festival included the following: Church members and friends purchased contents and assembled numerous packs and kits for distribution to those in need, including:

  • Missouri Reading and Writing Packs
  • Missouri Food Packs (which were assembled by our R.E. children)
  • Missouri Baby Bundle Packs
  • Missouri Backpacks of Love
  • Missouri Women’s Prison Packs
  • Missouri Student Dental Packs
  • Missouri Personal Hygiene Pack
  • Church World Service International Health Kits
  • Church World Service International School Kits

Once again in 2013, Festival of Sharing sponsored “Dining for Dollars” Dinners, which combined fund-raising and a fun dinner with church friends. Volunteers hosted meals for six guests. The suggested donation for the guests was $15.

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