I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes - Matthew 25:35

Homeless in DuPage County? Homeless in Downers Grove??

For most of us who live in and around Downers Grove, it’s hard to believe there are people living in the area without warm clothes, without food, and without a safe place to stay – people without a home.

The past few years during the month of December, Gloria Dei members staffed the PADS homeless shelter at the First Congregational Church (across from the library). Based on the overwhelming response from many of you, we're planning to staff two nights again this year:

• Monday, December 18th
• Monday, December 25th

At this special time of year when our hearts turn to giving to others, we need your help! Do any of the following apply to you?

• Are you a night owl? Could you use a few hours to catch up on your reading or other quiet activities? Volunteer for the "night shift" from 10 pm – 4 am (Three individuals needed each night, at least one male.)
• Are you an early bird? Do you enjoy fixing and serving breakfast? Volunteer for the morning shift from 4 am – 7 am. (Seven individuals needed each morning – Tuesday Dec. 19th and Tuesday Dec. 26th)
• Do you like to grocery shop? Volunteer to shop for the breakfast supplies. (1-2 volunteers needed.)
• Do you enjoy baking or making desserts? Volunteer to make a dessert (to serve 10 people) for dinner. (Six desserts needed each night.)

New volunteers who want to staff the shelter will be encouraged to visit the PADS shelter on a Monday night prior to their volunteer shift, for a brief orientation to the site layout and operations.

Please consider this wonderful opportunity to provide a home for our less fortunate neighbors – at least for a night. Sign-up on the blue sheet to volunteer. Contact the church office (630-968-6231) for more information.