Kumler Outreach Ministries
303 N. Grand Ave. East Ph. 217-523-2269 Fax 217-523-4920 [email protected] www.kumlerministries.org
Kumler Outreach Ministries began as a bag of groceries under Kumler United Methodist Church’s kitchen sink in 1976 and now serves more than 20,000 people each year, providing groceries, paying for prescriptions for the uninsured, offering clothing and small household items to those in need, and hosting Springfield’s north side GED location for Lincoln Land Community College. Other available items include layettes for newborns, personal hygiene items and winter coats in limited supply.
The Outreach Ministries also hosts Hospitality House, open to guests who are homeless or low-income; guests gather each Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church to share a light meal and get toiletries, other needed items.
Holiday wish list:
• Pantry Partners who provide a week’s worth of a designated staple item for Kumler’s food pantry (e.g. peanut butter)
• Individuals/families/organizations to “adopt” a child(ren) at Christmas, buying a new outfit of clothes
• Financial gifts
• Adult coats, winter hats, scarves and gloves
• Children’s winter coats
• Diapers, particularly large sizes (5s and 6s)
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Personal hygiene items, e.g. soap, deodorant, shampoo
• Garden fresh produce, as seasonally available
• More food drives and collections through the spring and summer, particularly when children are out of school and demand is high Donations are accepted at 303 N. Grand Ave. East. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon) or call 217-523-2269.
Sojourn Shelter & Services
1800 Westchester Blvd., Springfield 217-726-5100
Sojourn Shelter & Services, Inc. was founded in 1975 and operates with a mission to eliminate domestic violence through service, leadership and education. Services include emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, a 24-hour crisis hotline, community education and training, teen dating violence prevention, court advocacy and pro bono legal services. All services are confidential and free of charge. Each year Sojourn serves approximately 1,500 adult and child victims of domestic violence in our community.
Wish list:
• Washing machine – new or used
• New plastic encased twin mattresses
• Christmas meal for shelter residents (32 people)
• Curling irons, flat irons, hair dryers
• Laundry detergent
• Grocery gift cards
• Prepaid phone cards
• Bath towels
• Women’s slippers
• Kids socks sizes 2-10
• Ladies socks • Hairbrushes
• Toilet paper
• Baby wipes, diapers
• Large bottles of shampoo, conditioner
• Hair products for African Americans
• Umbrellas and alarm clocks
• Cleaning supplies and rags
• Paper towels
• Garbage bags – 13 and 33 gallon
• Gently used women’s, men’s and children’s clothing - can be dropped off at Sojourn’s Westside Fashions located at 2815 W. White Oaks Drive.
• Used cell phones - both working and non-working
Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and can be mailed at any time. All other donations can be dropped off at the shelter, which is located at 1800 Westchester Blvd., just east of the intersection of Chatham Rd. and Westchester Boulevard
