Project HOPE
The Metropolis of Chicago has designated Sunday, February 15th as Project HOPE Sunday, a sacred opportunity for all 58 parishes across six states to unite in one spirit of love and service. On this day, we come together as the Body of Christ to offer tangible expressions of compassion by collecting food for families in need.
On Project HOPE Sunday, Ascension will be collecting food and winter clothing for our community partner, Midwest Veterans Closet. After prayerful consultation with the organization, we have been given a list of specific items that will directly address the current needs of the families they serve.
Through your generosity, you will directly support veterans and active military families who are struggling during the harsh winter months. By doing so, we respond to Christ's own words from the Gospel of Matthew, which we will hear proclaimed in church that very day: "For I was hungry and you gave me food" (Matthew 25:35).
What is the Call for Action for our Parish Family?
We prayerfully ask each parishioner to bring one or two items from the list below with you to church on Sunday, February 15th. Collection baskets will be available in the entrance of our Fellowship Building, and volunteers will be present to receive your offerings of love as you enter church a week from Sunday.
Our youth groups will organize and package the donations on Monday, February 16, and our Project HOPE Ministry will deliver everything to the Midwest Veterans Closet the following week.
As we journey through the Triodion period and prepare our hearts for Great Lent, the Church calls us not only to prayer and fasting, but also to almsgiving. This simple act of giving may seem small, but in the hands of Christ, it becomes a profound blessing for our brothers and sisters in need.
Let us walk this path together, offering what we can, and prayerfully trusting that God will multiply it for the comfort of His people.
In Christ,
+ Fr. Sotiri
"WILL YOU BRING TWO" is our ongoing food collection project where we ask parishioners to bring two cans or boxes of food with them to Liturgy on Sunday morning and place them in the collection bins on their way into the church.
LOVE NEVER ENDS - PROJECT HOPE NEEDS YOU!
As we remember our military heroes and active-duty service members and their families, our baskets and bins near the Anagnos Fellowship Hall need the items highlighted below in red, specifically requested by the Midwest Veterans Closet. Let us show our love as a parish family to Project Hope and Midwest Veterans Closet!
Men's Winter Gloves (especially needed)
Winter Clothing
Clothing: Men & Women & Children
light jackets
tennis shoes
new underwear
new socks
fall clothing
new/gently used jeans
new/gently used shoes
new/gently used boots
professional wear
business casual
hoodies
sweat pants/shirts
brassieres
Food:
Canned tuna (especially needed)
Cereal (especially needed)
plain potato chips
ramen soup packages
coffee
meals-in-a-can (chili, hearty soup, spaghetti, etc.)
meals-in-a-box
fresh produce
canned meats
nut butter
jelly
hot cereals
100% fruit juices
canned fruits
mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard
crackers
cheese
cookies
grains, pasta, beans
bottled water
cat and dog food (Pet Pantry)
Durable Goods:
paper towels
sandwich & storage bags
cleaning supplies
laundry detergent
bleach
lotion
chapstick/lip balm
wet wipes
hand sanitizer
Housewares:
pots and pans
small appliances
cooking utensils
eating utensils
kitchen tools
dishes
glasses
bakeware
baking tools
dish racks
kitchen towels
13-gallon trash bags
33-gallon trash bags
We are also collecting pre-paid Gas Cards/Jewel Cards
Our labeled baskets and bins are located outside the Anagnos Fellowship Hall.
DROP YOUR DONATIONS OFF
On Sunday mornings; OR Monday - Fridays from 10 am-3 pm in the labeled baskets and bins located outside Ascension's Anagnos Fellowship Hall.
CAN I MAKE A MONETARY DONATION INSTEAD?
If you desire to contribute financially, please mail a check payable to Ascension of Our Lord, with "Project HOPE Fund” in the memo, and mail to:
Ascension of Our Lord
1207 Riverwoods Rd.
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
WHAT IS Project HOPE?
“Project HOPE” (Humanitarian Outreach and Philanthropic Engagement was created by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago (“Metropolis”) to partner with local parishes to help provide food security and stable housing to those in need. At this time, Ascension will assist in meeting the needs of local homeless and working poor families served by Vernon Hills Township Food Pantry, as well as veterans and families served by the Midwest Veteran’s Closet.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please send an email to Doug Hugdahl at DHugdahl@lightsourceunlimited.com
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact Fr. Sotiri directly at 847.482.1200; frsotirios@ascensiongoc.com.
Project HOPE maintains the anonymity of all beneficiaries and does not share information about its beneficiaries without their prior consent.
