A team of 28 volunteers assembled 700 baby bottles for the Tri-County Pregnancy Center (accompanying photo), which sells them as part of its annual fundraiser. Their goal had been 500.
Another group volunteered at a local craft fair to raise funds for Home of the Sparrow, a Crystal Lake shelter for homeless women and children. The organization receives grant funding based on the number of volunteers they provide. HOPE members served refreshments, helped make craft scarecrows, and served as fair hosts and security.
A third team painted the exterior offices of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, which provides free use of its meeting space to many of the local service-oriented nonprofit organizations. Pastor Jeff Schirle says the Chamber president was “blown away” that the church would close its service to work in the community.
“The Chamber is all about service to the community, but seldom have they been the recipient of such service,” says Schirle.
Several people remained at the church to pray for the projects and community.
