Local Churches Unite for Community Outreach Events: Spreading Hope and Love

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Earlier this year, the sheriff’s office started community zone patrols to engage citizens in a different way. One of Sheriff Nick Manns’ goals was to identify those in our county who were in need. He wanted to check on elderly shut-ins, meet kids, provide extra patrols, and address concerns and fears. In the process, they learned there were people, particularly elderly residents, who lacked the resources so many of us are blessed with.

With this in mind, a group of local pastors, church outreach leaders, and the sheriff began meeting to discuss the needs of Jersey County. It was from this that a coalition of diverse church congregations joined forces as the Jersey Community Churches United (JCCU). The coalition’s mission is to provide Christ-centered services to the community on behalf of the churches of Jersey County. The group organizes community outreach events aimed at spreading seeds of hope, encouragement, and love in Jersey County.

In this collaborative effort, the most recent outreach was blessing Jerseyville East and West school’s faculty with breakfast as they entered the building to start the day on Tuesday, November 21st. Hardees, Taco Bell, Walmart, Starbucks, and Bunkhouse Joe Coffee came alongside the coalition to provide donated food and drinks. The JCCU provided fruit, breakfast bars, juice, and Frappuccino. They also provided an encouraging prayer postcard along with a mirrored button with an inspiring bible verse.

The alliance also did three other outreaches. In June, volunteers came together for the senior citizens of the area. They cooked and delivered one week’s worth of meals to several homes, repaired a kitchen faucet, replaced a front door, mowed lawns, and power-washed a home.

In September, volunteers visited four homes. They replaced a front door, demolished a carport, cleaned up tree storm damage, replaced a floor, and pulled up bushes.

In October, volunteers visited over 15 homes. They fixed a mailbox, cleaned gutters and weeded a garden, replaced a back door, fixed a shed wall and delivered over 140 meals. RP Lumber also joined alongside the coalition to support these outreaches.

The alliance also supports a household goods pantry in conjunction with Diane Stumpe’s food pantry at the Got Faith Ministry building on Pine Street. Families can visit the pantry once a month and receive paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo & conditioner, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, body soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant.

This initiative is a testament to the power of collective action and highlights the commitment of local churches to make a tangible difference in the lives of people in the community. Local businesses, organizations, and volunteers are lending their support to make the JCCU program a success. Their generosity and commitment to serving the community are invaluable in ensuring that this outreach initiative leaves a lasting positive impact.

All community members are encouraged to participate, whether by donating goods, volunteering their time, or through cash donations. Cash donations can be sent to JCCU at 508 W. Pine Street, Jerseyville, Illinois 62052. Household goods can be delivered to the Got Faith Ministry building at the same address on Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Thursdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. 1 p.m.

For further information or to get involved, check out the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094212715850W. or call 1-415-448-6437. Videos and pictures of outreaches can be found on the Facebook page as well as links to sign up to volunteer.

A website is in process of being developed by James Franklin of JF Digital. The web address is jccu.church and is anticipated to be ready in the first quarter of next year for volunteers sign up, client help sign up, and to receive donations. There will also be pictures and videos of the completed outreaches and notices of future outreach plans.