Our “Christmas in July” focus this year is DOVE, Inc. in Decatur, Illinois. DOVE is an inner-city ministry that addresses societal problems and individual needs, advocating a just and equitable treatment of all.  DOVE cares about people, especially the powerless and the hurt, as they honor the dignity and worth of each individual, empowering them to live in better ways.

Their work is done through various programs – a domestic violence ministry with a residential shelter, homeless program, financial assistance, clothing and food donations, jobs program, and an educational program to school children.

We are offering our “Christmas in July” gifts over the next four weeks (July 10-31) with the following items that will be distributed to the above programs: new packaged underwear & socks, travel-size toiletries, towels, washcloths, baby items including – receiving blankets, diaper changing pads, lotion, shampoo, pacifiers & diapers, children’s hair clips/ties/combs/brushes, small toys for ages 0-3 and 3-6 years old, new hats/gloves/mittens, wrapping supplies including – paper rolls or folded & scotch tape, new unwrapped toys for children & youth up to 18 years, mowers, trimmers, blowers, ear plugs, goggles, work gloves, peanut butter, jelly, mac & cheese, pasta, granola, sauces. They will also take clean, gently-used clothing of all types/sizes.

We invite you to come listen to our guest from DOVE on Sunday, July 24 and find out more.