Hopefest 2011

A Snapshot of what we accomplished together:
- 600 Thank You bags given to the 1st responders and ER medical staff made with 600 dozen cookies, 600 prayer squares and 600 Thank you note cards;
- 23 people participated in the CPR classes;
- 50 volunteers at Park Ridge Youth Campus doing yardwork, planting etc.;
- 20 volunteers at Avenues to Independence doing yardwork, planting etc.;
- 4,000 items of food donated and dispersed between 3 food pantries;
- Over 25 people visited Bethany Terrace Assisted Living in Morton Grove, choir performed, worked with residents writing life stories, decorated party room for Grandparents Day;
- 1200 people participated throughout the day;
- Over 600 people learned about improving their health and safety
- 80 units of blood donated at the two blood drive locations;
- 1400 thank you notes written to our first responders and military; and
- Over 200 people experienced a commemorative service at 7:30 am, which included presentation and unveiling of the 6′ steel beam from the World Trade Center.
Follow up Opportunities:
- October 1 – Training with Salvation Army to become a Certified Disaster Recovery Worker (8 hour training session)
- October 1 – Community Garage Sale benefitting Maine Township food pantry
- October 16 – CROP Walk to support our local food pantry
- October 19 – Kaboom! Playground at Youth Campus being built (many volunteers needed)
- Ongoing needs: contribute food to local pantries, donate blood again in 8 weeks with Lifesource, contact Bethany Terrace to visit residents and volunteer with upcoming events
Remembering 9/11 from Northern Illinois Conference on Vimeo.
At First UMC Park Ridge, “welcoming all” means that we see all persons as created in the image of God and bearing sacred worth and dignity. We invite all persons to participate fully in the life of our church regardless of age, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental condition, marital status, family situation, or economic standing. 
