The gift bags the VBS children assembled this summer were a big hit, so we will be assembling more food bags for children who participate in learning programs at The Bridge/Hub (formerly Bethany House) in Northview Heights and blessing bags for the homeless who are served by the Daily Bread ministry on Pittsburgh’s North Side. SUMC and community members are invited to donate shelf- stable snack items (e.g., fruit & pudding cups, trail mix, granola bars, cheese & crackers, gum, etc.) and hygiene products (e.g., travel-sized shampoo, soap, individually packaged toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, tissues, combs, etc.) for use in these bags.

These two Church Union ministries also are seeking gifts of NEW child- and adult-sized hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and socks to help keep recipients warm this winter. Donations of food and toiletries may be placed in the bin in the hallway by the office. Clothing may be placed on the “mitten tree” in the sanctuary.

Christmas Gifts for the Learning Hub at The Bridge (formerly Bethany House) Children

Our annual tradition returns after a 2-year pandemic hiatus. Thank you for helping make Christmas a little more special for the 18 children who attend the after-school program. If you are sponsoring a child’s gift, please be sure to return it unwrapped no later than December 11. Please direct any questions to Pam Honeychurch. The Bridge, located in Northview Heights, is a ministry of United Methodist Church Union, providing a preschool and an after-school program for children and youth living in this economically distressed neighborhood of Pittsburgh.