Winter 2024 Brief
Newsletter for Festival of Sharing
Greetings! 2023 was a year to remember! Volunteers donated over 1,500 hours of service, Festival distributed over $21,000 in grants to agencies and churches, and over 400 personal hygiene, 500 student dental, and 150 paper product packs were assembled at Sharefest sites. We are gearing up for more kit packing, blanket making, and getting to know agency partners in 2024. Stay tuned for how you can be involved!
Announcements
Coordinating Committee: Open Positions
The spring committee meeting will be held March 9 in Columbia, MO. This is an ecumenical group who helps lead and carry out Festival’s vision and mission. Participation includes two meetings a year. Contact Sidney at 573-474-3332 if interested in participating.
Want to dive deeper into Festival? Participate in our pilot program!
Get connected with a local Festival of Sharing agency partner in 2024 and see where God is at work through their efforts and resources. Contact Sidney at festival@socket.net for more information.
Year End Numbers
2023 Report of Giving and Program Expense Breakdown Available for download at festivalofsharing.org/financial-reports.
2024 Booklet
The 2024 digital booklet is available on our website. Full booklet under the “Media” tab, individual kit pages under “Kits.”
Kit Changes in 2024
Family Food Box
*Add 10 count box of oatmeal (any flavor)
Personal Hygiene Kit
*1 bottle of body wash (approx. 15-22 oz.) (replaces bar of soap)
*1 travel skin lotion (1-3 oz.) (replaces bottle of lotion)
Local
Cooperative Response Grants- Final Call for Applications!
Festival of Sharing has funding available to partner with Missouri churches and organizations in their efforts to cooperatively respond to community needs around poverty. Applications accepted now through April 1, 2024. Grants will be awarded up to $1,000. Visit www.festivalofsharing.org/grantopportunities for more info.
Cooperative Response Success Story
As a teacher, Florence Borman was passionate about service and community outreach. One of her classes, The Power of One, would engage in yearly service projects such as a Christmas dinner for homeless veterans. Now, as a member of First UMC of Festus-Crystal City, Florence is continuing to learn and serve in the community by leading an initiative to increase community awareness and knowledge around the unhoused community of Jefferson County. Read the full story at festivalofsharing.org/news/blessing-bags-for-the-unhoused.
Festival of Sharing Presentation
We would love to meet you! Schedule a presentation with your congregation, Sunday school class, or volunteer group either in person or virtually! Email festival@socket.net or call 573-474-3332.
Global
2024 Online Quilt Auction
Save the date! Sunday November 3- Saturday, November 9. Proceeds benefiting Church World Service Blankets Program. Donations accepted through Friday, August 23. Please check the auction page for more information on accepted donations in 2024.
Heifer International Project 2024-www.heifer.org
The Improving Income and Nutrition through Community Empowerment (INCOME) project works to improve the livelihoods and food security of the rural farm families in Cambodia. The project focuses on improving and specializing farmers’ production and provides specialist support such as advice on improving chicken housing and access to community vets. The project also works with local cooperatives to identify opportunities for farmers to sell their products to increase their income.
Church World Service Kit Highlight
Period Pack (Menstrual Hygiene Kit)- $25 value, $2 shipping fee
https://cwskits.org/assemble-kits/period-packs/
Many of our neighbors live in period poverty—lacking access to necessary feminine care supplies. During the menstrual cycle, these hygiene materials are especially important to healthy practices. Not having supplies like sanitary napkins, tampons, soap and disposable plastic bags can create challenges that lead to unsafe and unsanitary conditions. The CWS Period Pack gives women and girls the essentials they need to feel clean, be healthy and live with dignity during the menstrual cycle.
Save-the-date!
The quilt auction will be held online November 3-9. Donations accepted until August 23.