Evangelical United Methodist, 401 Walnut St, Washington, IL 61571 .. 309-444-3228

Opportunities  to  Help  Others

We are pleased to announce EUMC’s participation in Branches of Washington!
We have joined with other local churches in pledging our support in helping to meet the needs of children living in poverty in our local schools.  As a small church, we often find ourselves in a struggle of how to meet the needs of our community and make a real difference with our limited number of volunteers and resources. Branches of Washington is a great example of how we can partner with other Christians, pooling our resources and efforts to help others!
HOW BRANCHES HELPS
Branches hosts monthly “care closets” at District 51 schools and District 52 schools. Branches also supports similar programs at John L. Hensey School in District 50 (Wildcat Cares), Beverly Manor School in District 50 (Moms Who Care), and Panther Pro Shop at WCHS. These programs provide new and gently used clothing, as well as toiletry items to students qualifying for free lunch or reduced-price lunches. Each month children can “shop” for clothing items, toiletries, etc. This is done in a discreet environment at each school with caring volunteers, providing a dignified experience for the children.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
 DONATE—Look for the special donation bin located in the narthex.
 Children's NEW socks and underwear—size 4 through adult large.
(Girls prefer “hipsters” and boys like boxer briefs. Most prefer no-show socks or crew socks)
Full-sized toiletry items: Deodorant, Bar soap, Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner, 3-in-1 Cleanser, Lotion, Toothpaste, Chapstick, Combs, Brushes, Hair Ties, Headbands.
New or gently used clothing, coats, and shoes appropriate for school-aged children.
Donate kid-approved snack items when school resumes.
Financial donations — Make a special offering through church noted for Branches.
VOLUNTEER - sort, transport, staff the giveaway, etc.
Click on their website for more information on volunteer opportunities and donations.

MOST NEEDED FOOD PANTRY ITEMS

The Food Pantry especially needs donations of canned green beans, corn, and peas. If you wish to make a monetary donation, we can do the shopping for you.  Plus, we use a lot of medium size boxes, so please bring in any you have.  We are always thankful for everything you donate!
TIP -- Since we give the clients a list to choose from, it helps if there is a sufficient amount of the listed items. So, if you are purchasing five items, it's best if they are all the same item. For example, buy five cans of peas instead of five cans of five different vegetables.  We are blessed by your support!  (updated July, 2025)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for FOOD PANTRY
Help is needed at 8:45 am on the Thursday before the Pantry Give-Away to unload items from Midwest Distribution Center and to set-up for Saturday.   Help is again needed on that Saturday to fill orders and load boxes into cars. Arrive by 6:45 am, please.  Check the full calendar for these dates.  Contact a member of the team with questions or by email here. 
DONATIONS  to BUSY BEES
 The Busy Bees thank you for your generous support and continued prayer!
Whenever you are cleaning out a sewing cupboard, please check to see if the Bees can use any of the items before throwing them away.  

Food Pantry Set-up

Food is pickup from Midwest Distribution Center the Thursday before the Saturday give away each month.  Help is need to upload and set up the distribution in the Fellowship Hall.   This usually takes  from 8:00 am until 10:00 am to do.   
Check the calendar for set-up dates.

VOLUNTEER at MIDWEST DISTRIBUTION CENTER 

Near Chatham IL, the United Methodist church has a facility to provide humanitarian relief for here and abroad.  Two volunteers from EVAN went to Chatham IL to pack meals that would feed those displaced due to the war in Ukraine.  They met with other volunteers and packed more than 2 pallets that day.  Each pallet contains 1200 meals!  And each completed pallet was covered with prayer.   The fellowship and the commitment was wonderful there.  What a blessing to both those who serve and those who receive!
The distribution Center also packs many other Ready-for-Disaster items such as flood buckets and Hygiene packets.    Volunteers are always needed!  If you would like to know more, please click on the link -- https://www.midwestmission.org/

Photos:  Packing meals, Display of items and kits sent out, gathering to pray over a loaded truck, Midwest Distribution Center emblem.