Holiday Project

Can you believe October is almost over? Thanksgiving is just 4 weeks away! Each holiday season we are blown away by the generosity of so many people in our community. Our holiday meal services are already full, however, we have a great opportunity for you and your families (or co-workers, church groups, book clubs, etc.) to serve our homeless friends. Every year we ask for people to donate a "Holiday Box for the Homeless". We collect thousands of these to hand out around the holidays. They make an incredible impact.

How to make a holiday box:

 

1. Use an empty shoe box (standard size). Please only use boxes that have a separate bottom and lid. Please wrap the lid and the box separately. The box should not be wrapped shut when finished.
2. Fill the box with a variety of small, inexpensive gifts. Use the gift ideas listed at the bottom of the page. Please fill boxes with ADULT, UNISEX items only.
3. Once filled, place a rubber band around each box.
4. In a separate envelope you may enclose a holiday card or note from you/your family or group. (Please do not include addresses or phone numbers.) Place your note inside the box.

Delivery:

Boxes may be delivered between Thursday, December 1 – Wednesday, December 14, 2011. Drop off at The Stewpot, 1822 Young Street, Dallas, 75201, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm

 

PLEASE DO NOT DELIVER HOLIDAY BOXES TO THE BRIDGE

 

Gift Ideas

• knit hat
• small flashlight w/batteries
• pens, pencils
• knit gloves
• disposable stick razors
• stationary or cards w/stamps
• tube socks
• small umbrella
• phone calling cards
• plastic poncho
• fast food gift card ($5 or less)
• hard candy or gum
• chapstick
• small hand sanitizer
• travel size Kleenex
• small Bible or book of inspiration

DO NOT INCLUDE:

• used or damaged items
• knives or weapons
• chocolate or food
• liquids
• medications or vitamins
• breakable items or glass containers
• aerosol cans
• money

We've already had a great start to the holiday boxes! 160 associates from the Frito Lay Controller's team in Plano donated holiday box items this week!
Questions? Call 214-746-2785, ext. 320: Jean Jones, Stewpot Volunteer Director

The Value of Volunteers

It's no secret that the staff of The Stewpot is unable to accomplish everything we do on our own. Our volunteers play a vital role in all of our programs. Did you know we have 42 volunteers each day just for meal services?

On top of that volunteers help us:

• sign people up for services
• hand out toiletries
• sort mail
• teach computer classes
• manage budgets for Representative Payee clients
• teach art
• sort donations
• give eye exams
• teach Bible study
• tutor students
• teach ESL and so much more!

We really couldn't do it without you all! According to http://www.independentsector.org/ the estimated dollar value for volunteer time is $21.36/hour. According to that number, the estimated value of our meal service volunteers only for one month is over $54,000!

Thank you for helping us serve second chances each day here at The Stewpot!

Let's eat!

In 1975 First Presbyterian Church saw a need to start feeding the homeless and hungry. They called the meal service "The Stewpot". By the early 1990s, the program, which now included casework services, had grown so much we moved across the street into our present building. Over 30 years and several additional programs later, The Stewpot is still working hard to make sure our friends on the streets have the most basic need - food.


In May 2008 The Stewpot became the sole meal provider at The Bridge, Dallas' homeless assistance center. Instead of five meals a week, we began serving 3 meals a day every day of the year. A huge jump, but our volunteers and staff have stepped up to the challenge in a big way!


Just to put it in perspective:
Almost 50,000 meals are served each month. So far we've served 19,600 meals in June. With an average of 43 volunteers per day we have approximately 1,300 volunteer slots a month.


Since the Bridge opened in 2008, Stewpot staff and volunteers have helped prepare and serve 1,856,900 meals! Since 1975 The Stewpot began in 1975, we have served over 4,158,668 meals!


It really is incredible! So, how can you be involved? Of course you can always sign up for a meal service. All sign ups are done online through our website.


Another option is to donate to our Loaves and Fishes program. The Loaves and Fishes Program allows you to "underwrite" part of the cost of a meal or a day of meals. Individuals, groups, businesses and congregations are coming together to make this happen. Adopting a meal or a day of meals makes a great gift!  Acknowledgement cards are sent to honorees per your instructions and posted on this website. Our Calendar is updated weekly.  For more information you can call Lee Hutchins: 214.746.2785 ext. 236.


A huge, huge thank you to everyone who has played a part in our meal service!