GENEROSITY IN ACTION

Thanks to a generous donor LCC Human Care team recently delivered baby items to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream, Illinois, a long-time partner of LCC. During our visit, we offered support and encouragement to Our Savior's team as they shared the successes of their human care ministries, such as a community garden and the Breakfast with Babies program.

The church has a community garden that has been operating since 2011. It began with a social justice advocate who learned how many people in their community face food insecurity.  She partnered with another church member who had a passion for gardening.  Together, they grew a team of volunteers who had the desire to help people in need. Over the years, they have developed local partnerships and share their food with several food pantries.

The leadership team recognized more people want to be involved but are limited by their work schedules. They increased involvement by starting the adopt-a-plant program, passing out seeds to church members to grown in their own backyards, and bring the fruits and vegetables back to the church, to contribute to the food that gets shared with the food pantries.

The 1,400 pounds of food they've provided this year is a testament to the impact of their efforts. Their commitment to addressing food insecurity through their garden and adopt-a-plant program is truly inspiring. 

Their Breakfast with Babies program is equally impressive. Once a month, they serve over hundred families by providing a welcoming space for parents and young children to build community by sharing a meal and offering essential items, such as clothes, shoes and baby items. People who participate often bring the items back when they are done with them so they can share them with other families. As a way of thanking the church, many parents decide to become volunteers to pass the blessing to others.

This cycle of giving, allows them to contribute back to the program, creates a strong sense of community and mutual support. These initiatives show how churches can leverage their resources and community connections to make a significant difference in people’s lives. It’s a great example of faith in action, meeting tangible needs while fostering a sense of belonging and support.   

These initiatives show how churches can leverage their resources and community connections to make a significant difference in people’s lives. It’s a great example of faith in action, meeting tangible needs while fostering a sense of belonging and support.

DONATE - Breakfast with Baby - Our Savior - Carol Stream IL