UUCC: Festival of Sharing

Festival of Sharing

The 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. 2011 was our church's fourth year collaborating with participants from 30 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. These activities culminate with an Ingathering celebration at the Missouri State Fair Arena. Groups from all over Missouri bring the gifts they have created and collected. Any extra supplies are used at the Arena for creating more Kits & Packs. More information is available at http://www.UMOCM.com/festival.

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 help.

Two new Festival of Sharing projects announced

In December 2011 our Festival of Sharing Committee has announced two new projects.

The first project results from a recent trip by Rev. Mel West to Nicaragua where he asked the women what they wanted most. For comfort and modesty, the group wanted bras and underpants, which are not items they have. Mel hopes to have a container full to be shipped early in January. Church members are asked to donate bras and panties as follows:

Panties: Sizes 5-7 – must be new
Bras: Sizes 32-38 – may be new or "gently used."

Please bring donated bras and panties to the Festival of Sharing display in the Greeting Area at church. Look for the plastic bin, labeled Project for Women in Nicaragua, or call Margaret Tyler to arrange for pick-up of your gift. For more information, contact Marian Hjelmfelt or Rev. Mel West (MelWest@aol.com).

The second new Festival of Sharing project originally was going to involve making cushions for P.E.T. (Personal Energy Transport Vehicles). However, the fabric for making the cushions is no longer available. A possible substitute project for January may be one for women in Honduras. Marian Hjelmfelt received a letter from a mission group requesting homemade menstrual pads for women, and she is waiting to learn if these are needed by women in Honduras. These are usually made from used towels, flannel and sheets, and there are many patterns on the internet.

Other 2011 activities completed

Other 2011 Festival of Sharing activities have been completed, but planning is already under way for next year. The Hook and Needle Group continues meeting weekly to work on projects for next year's FoS and for gifting. Other FoS groups are not currently active but will be reactivated for near year's Festival.

The materials below are from the 2011 Festival of Sharing and have been retained on this page for reference. See also the photo page covering the Festival of Sharing Worship Service conducted on September 18, 2011.

2011 Festival of Sharing topics covered below (click link to go to topic):
How You Can Help
Important FoS Dates
2011 FoS Kits and Packs
     International Kits
     Missouri Packs
Our Church's FoS Groups
     Hook and Needle Group
     Sewing Group
     "Sew-at-Home Tunics"
     Quilting Group
     Dinner Group

How You Can Help

There are many ways we can all help with Festival of Sharing:

Go to the FoS Display Table, in the Greeting Area, and take the Kit and Pack info handouts to find an idea that appeals to you.
Create a listed Kit or Pack.
Donate items for specific kits.
Donate financially for kit materials or transportation costs.
Join us to audit and assemble kits.
Attend or host one of the FofS Dinners.*
Use our "Sew at Home Tunic Kit" to create an infant tunic for the IMA Safe Motherhood Kit.*
Join the FofS Hook & Needle Group to make newborn caps for infants in parts of Haiti and Africa. These go in the IMA Safe Motherhood Kits.*
Join the FofS Quilting Group, which recently completed a Queen Quilt that will be auctioned at the FofS Ingathering October 2011. The group plans to meet throughout the year to create more quilts.*
Help transport our gifts to Sedalia on October 15.

* Please sign up on the appropriate clipboard in the Greeting Area at church for the groups marked with an asterisk above. The groups are described in more detail below under Our Church's FoS Groups.

If you have questions, suggestions or ideas, contact Marian Hjelmfelt at 573-449-5118 or by email.

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Important 2011 FoS Dates

Sunday, October 2: Deadline for bringing donations to church or Marian Hjelmfelt's home. This will give us time to audit the kits to be sure only the specified items are present. The guidelines require that we include only listed items, nothing with religious symbols or notes. If you have extra kit items, put them in a separate labeled box and they will be used at the Ingathering to create more kits.

Monday, October 3 at 2:30 p.m.: Audit of Festival of Sharing kits and packs. All of the kits and packs need to be checked to see if we need to add or remove items. When complete, they need to be boxed and labeled for shipping. Volunteers are needed to help with the audit process. It is a "feel good" time seeing all the wonderful items that have been donated.

Saturday, October 15: Festival of Sharing Ingathering at Sedalia Fairgrounds Arena when groups from all over Missouri bring their FofS gifts to be distributed to specific agencies for use with the people they serve.

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2011 FoS Kits and Packs

International Kits

Emergency Clean-Up Bucket
These kits enable people to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up after a
disaster here in the United States.
$56 value of Items listed below
Shipping-$3/kit
1 five-gallon bucket with re-sealable lid
1 dry laundry detergent, 50-78 oz.
1 roll heavy-duty trash bags, 24 to 28 count (30-45 gallon) ( remove from
box)
1 bottle liquid concentrated house-hold cleaner (like Lysol®), 12 oz.
1 bottle liquid antibacterial dish soap, (like Dawn®), 25 oz.
Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.
50 clothes pins
1 scrub brush (remove packaging)
1 pair work gloves
2 pairs latex gloves (like Playtex®)
7 sponges, assorted sizes
5 scouring pads
18 cleaning towels, (reusable, like Easy Wipes® NO Cotton towels)
5 dust masks
1 bottle insect repellant (drops or lotion, not aerosol) 6-14 oz.
Please purchase all liquids in plastic bottles. Send only new, unopened
materials. Make sure lids on bottles are tightly closed. Put all items in the plastic
bucket, making sure they are packed securely to avoid damage during shipment.
Seal lid with packing tape.

Health Kit
In the face of natural disasters, violence, or poverty, these kits can mean the
difference between sickness and health for family members.
$11 value of Items listed below
Shipping-$2/kit
1 hand towel (16" X 28")
1 wide-tooth comb (remove packaging)
1 metal nail clipper (no metal files or emery boards) (remove packaging)
1 washcloth
6 Band-Aids
1 bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)
1 toothbrush (in original packaging)
Seal all items in a one-gallon plastic bag with zipper closure. Leave the bag
opened about ½ an inch to allow air to escape. Toothpaste will be added by
Church World Service. Place all completed kits in a sturdy box and seal
securely with packing tape. Label the box with "CWS Health Kit" and quantity of
kits in each box.

School Kit
These kits give children in impoverished schools and refugee camps some basic
tools for learning.
$13 value of items listed below
Shipping-$2/kit
1 pair blunt child's scissors
1 box of 24 crayons (only 24)
1- 30-centimeter ruler (12")
6 new pencils with erasers
1 pencil sharpener (hand-held)
1 large eraser
3 - 70 page count spiral notebooks of ruled paper (No filler paper, please)
1- 12"x14" to 14" tx 16" finished size, cloth bag with cloth handles. Closure not
required - canvas bags can be made or purchased for around $1 at: www.myshopangel.com/promotional_tote_bags_economy.htm
Place the items in the bag. Place kits in a sturdy box and label with "CWS
School kit" and number of kits.

Layette
Layettes provide gentle warmth for infants and basic tools for young mothers
struggling with poverty or the consequences of natural disaster.
$39 value of items listed below
Shipping-$2/kit
6 cloth diapers
2 diaper pins
2 t-shirts or undershirts (no onesies)
2 washcloths
2 gowns or sleepers (Pattern Available)
1 sweater or sweatshirt (pattern Available)
2 receiving blankets (1 can be a handmade blanket)
All items should be new. Items should be no larger than 12months size. Bundle items inside one receiving blanket and secure with diaper pins. Place completed kits in a sturdy box and label "CWS Layette" and the number of kits in each box.

Safe Motherhood Kit - IMA World Health
These kits are for women living in developing countries. More than 50 million
women give birth at home annually without the help of a trained professional or
serial birthing supplies. Increasing the mortality rate of the infant and the mother.
$ 9 Value of items listed below Medical Items
Shipping $15 / kit
1 Receiving Blanket (can be handmade)
1 New born Cap
1 Jacket or tunic (pattern available)
Place the three items in a zip lock bag. Items can be handmade or purchased.
The other items for the kit will be added by IMA World Health. To complete the kit
IMA needs $15 for providing sterile birthing supplies and for shipping. The Safe
Motherhood Kit developed by IMA World Health is designed to improve the
chance for a safe delivery. The Kits are being channeled through the health
system and made available at health clinics. Please place completed kits in a
sturdy box and label "IMA Safe Mother" and the number of kits in each box.

IMA Medicine Box
Each box is designed to serve a village of 1,000 people for 2-3 months. Boxes
cost $500 including international shipping, but any amount is welcome. Many
churches like to include a "hands-on" activity; IMA accepts certain medicines and
supplies to include in Medicine Boxes. Please follow these guidelines for
donations, which should be new products with unbroken seals and expiration
dates of 18 months or longer. Generic products are welcome!
500 tablets Acetaminophen (Tylenol), 325 mg or 500 mg,
500 tablets Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), 200 mg,
500 tablets Multivitamins with iron (One-A-Day), without herbs or special
formulas
500 tablets Children's Multivitamins with Iron (Flintstones Chewables with
Iron)
6 tubes Triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin), ½ oz. or 1 oz. tube
50 pads 4x4 inch gauze pads, any brand,
2 rolls ½ inch adhesive tape, any brand
The number of tablets, tubes and rolls is the minimum per kit please round up if
needed. Place all items in a sturdy box sized just right for the contents. (Large
shoe boxes will usually work.) If making more than one kit please find a box
large enough to hold up to six of the individual boxes. Then label "IMA Medicine
Box" and the quantity.

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2011 Missouri Packs

Readin' & Writin' Pack - Pack Value $12.00
6 new pencils with erasers
2" eraser
2 ink pens, blue or black ink (medium point)
1 box of 24 crayons (24 only)
1 pair of child-sized metal scissors
1 pencil holder
12" ruler
6 folders with pockets
2 spiral or tape bound notebooks (total 140 pages)
Place smaller items inside the pencil holder. Place all items in a 2 gallon zip lock
bag. (2 or 2.5 gallon bags have been found at the following stores: full line
grocery stores and Target.) Place kits in boxes labeled "Readin'& Writin Pack"
and mark the quantity on outside of each box.

Paper Products Pack - Pack Value $14.00
2 pkgs toilet tissue (4- double rolls)
3 rolls paper towels (good quality)
2 facial tissue (large rectangular boxes )
Place all items in a tall-sized kitchen trash bag. Close securely and placed
bagged kits in a box labeled "Paper Products Pack." Mark the quantity on
each box.

Baby Bundle Pack - Pack Value $34.00
2 receiving blankets
2 undershirts or onesies
1 sweater or sweatshirt for warmth
2 sleepers (1 piece or gown)
8-12 diapers (cloth or disposable)
2 diaper pins (if cloth diapers are enclosed)
Please send newborn to six month sized items. Place items in a 2 gallon zip lock
bag. (2 or 2.5 gallon bags have been found at the following stores: full line
grocery stores and Target.) Pack the filled bags in boxes labeled "Baby
Bundles." Please mark the quantity of kits on the outside or each box.
Student Dental Pack - Pack Value $ 11.00
1 fluoride toothpaste, 6 oz. or more
4 child Size soft toothbrush (in original package)
2 adult soft toothbrushes (in original package)
1 dental floss-any size
Place items inside a 1-gallon zip lock bag. Pack filled zip locks in boxes
labeled "Student Dental Packs" and mark the quantity on the outside of each
box. The extra brushes are for family members.

Family Food Pack - Pack Value $37.00
6 cans assorted vegetables
6 cans assorted fruits
6 cans tuna
2 cans pasta sauce
2 pounds pasta
2 jars peanut butter
2 cans Spam
2 pounds rice
2 pounds dried pinto beans
6 packages macaroni & cheese
Place items in a sturdy box or book carton, tape and label "Family Food Pack."

Personal Hygiene Pack - Pack Value $ 20.00
1 fluoride toothpaste, 6 oz. or more
1 washcloth
1 toothbrush in original, unopened pkg.
1 bath-size bar of soap
1 deodorant
1 bottle skin lotion (11-14 oz)
1 hand towel
1 bottle shampoo (11-14 oz))
2 disposable razors
1 comb or brush
Tighten lids and place all items in a large zip lock bag (2-gallon size works
best). (2 or 2.5 gallon bags have been found at the following stores: grocery stores and Target.) Place zip locks in boxes labeled "Personal Hygiene Pack." Please also mark the quantity on the outside of each box.

Women's Prison Pack - Pack Value $ 9.00
1 Shampoo (12-16 oz. size, alcohol-free only) *Acceptable brands: Suave,
Equate Herbal, Personal Care Herbal, Alberto VO5, Style
1 Tube toothpaste (6 - 6.4 oz. size, alcohol-free only) *Acceptable brands: All
types of Ultrabrite, Colgate, Crest, Aquafresh and Gleem
1 Deodorant (2-3 oz. size, alcohol-free only, no roll-ons, no men's brands)
*Acceptable brands: Revlon Hi & Dri, Lady Mitchum Clean Gel, Crystal Clean
Deodorant, Almay Clear Gel, Simple Basic Clear Deodorant
Place only these items in a plastic bag. Put filled bags in boxes labeled "Prison
Pack." Please also label with the number enclosed. Toothbrushes and Stamps
are not allowed as part of these kits.

Youth Personal Care Pack - Pack Value $40.00
1 3 oz bottle hand sanitizer
3 ink pens
1 small permanent marker (for personalization of bag)
1 Calendar / address book
1 journal
1 chap stick
1 travel pillow
1 fleece throw
1 washcloth
1 deodorant
1 travel size shampoo
1 travel size hair gel / hair spray (non aerosol)
1 travel size conditioner
1 travel size lotion
1 pocket pack of tissue
1 toothbrush
1 travel size toothpaste
1 box medicated facial cleansing pads (such as Stridex)
1 men's body spray OR 1 small package of feminine pads or tampons
Put all the items in a drawstring bag approximately 15" X 22". Please use solid
color fabric to allow the teen to personalize the bag. All items should be placed
inside the bag with the draw string pulled. Place kits in a box and label "Youth
Pack" and the number of packs in the box. These kits are used by children
between the ages of 12 to 18 who have experienced a crisis and are being
placed in state care.

Backpacks of Love - Pack Value $40.00
1 small backpack or small duffle (NO backpacks with wheels)
1 small stuffed animal
1 t-shirt (Child Medium, Child Large or Adult Small)
1 pkg. - 3 pair underpants
1 pair socks
1 narrow tooth comb
1 youth toothbrush (soft and in unopened, original package)
1 tube toothpaste, 6 oz. or more (child flavored preferred)
1 coloring book (for age 4-7) or 1 notebook (for age 8-11)
1 box crayons (for age 4-7) or 1 pencil (for age 8-11)
1 travel pillow
A small quilt or blanket already donated will be added to the kit. Please pack all
items in the backpack and label the box "Backpacks". These kits are used
by children between the ages of 4 to11 who have experienced a crisis and are
being placed in foster care.

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Our Church's FoS Groups

The Hook and Needle Group meets Tuesday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. at different members' homes.

Currently we are finishing up the Afghan Project and are also knitting infant caps for the I.M.A. Safe Motherhood Kits. Join us to knit or crochet and enjoy sharing ideas and companionship while you help decrease infant mortality.

Enjoying knitting and crocheting as part of this year's Festival of Sharing
Hook & Needle Group are, clockwise from left, Joann Vest,
Suzie Anand, Nancy Smith, Marian Hjelmfelt and Melissa Farhangi.

The FoS Sewing Group has completed its work for this Festival year and will resume activity in Spring 2012.

Our 2011 project was making infant tunics and creating take home "Sew at Home Tunic Kits. Everyone is welcome, even non-sewers. Can you cut out tunic patterns? cut ties & binding tapes to the length needed? package "Sew at Home Tunic Kits."

Roberta Jones, Amine Cuber, Winifred Scott & Margaret Tyler
working at the Festival of Sharing Sewing Group

"Sew-at-Home Tunic Kits" for making infant tunics, for newborns in Haiti and Africa, are available on the Festival of Sharing Display Table in the Greeting Area. Feel free to sign out a kit on the clip board and return it by October2.

Everything you need is in the kit: the cut-out tunic fabric, the ties & the binding tape. All you need is the sewing machine and thread! Detailed instructions with drawings are included.

Sample tunic

The Quilting Group completed the Festival of Sharing Queen Quilt (see photo below) and put it on display in the Sanctuary from August 21 through Sept. 4, 2001. After Sept. 4 the quilt will be "on tour" and displayed at other FofS participating churches around the state before it is auctioned as a fundraiser at the State Fairgrounds Arena on October 15, 2011.

UUCC members and friends may submit pre-auction bids for the quilt through October 15 on a clipboard at the FofS table in the Greeting Area. The highest bid we receive will be our opening bid at the auction on October 15, and if no one bids more, our highest bidder will become the lucky owner of this beautiful quilt.

The quilting group welcomes new members for future years' projects. The group plans to meet throughout the year to create more exciting quilts for future years,, and you can participate in choosing and working on the next project. You can work alone or in small groups. Sign up on the appropriate clipboard in the Greeting Area to join the group, or email Melissa Bedford or call her at 573-268-6982.

The completed Queen Quilt on display in our Sanctuary

FoS Dinner Group raises money for our kit supplies by having volunteer hosts who provide dinner and the volunteer guests contribute $12 per person to attend.

A Festival of Sharing Dinner Group gathering this year. Seen clockwise from left are
Allen Hjelmfelt, Sue Tillema, Carla and Wayne Anderson, Herb Tillema, and Maria
and Richard Parker. Marian Hjelmfelt's cake awaits her while she takes this photo.

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