Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Gratitude in Action: Serving Others through Mission Central


As the seasons turn and we move toward Thanksgiving, Mission Central is filled with gratitude - for the volunteers who show up each morning ready to pack and sort, for the churches that faithfully collect supplies, and for every person who believes that even the smallest act of service can ripple outward to change lives.

This year has been one of both incredible need and incredible generosity. Communities across the country have faced floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and other crises that left families with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Around the world, the demand for humanitarian aid continues to grow, with requests arriving for medical equipment, school supplies, and basic necessities.

Through it all, Mission Central has remained steadfast in its purpose: connecting God’s resources with human need. From our warehouse in Mechanicsburg, thousands of volunteers have assembled and shipped life-sustaining aid - Cleaning Buckets, Hygiene, Blessing, and Activity Kits, and more - to people in need locally, nationally, and globally.

Each bucket and box that leaves our warehouse is a message of hope. It tells a family recovering from a flood that they are not forgotten. It reminds a community rebuilding after a fire that help is on the way. It shows a mother starting over that she is seen, cared for, and loved.

This November, just days before Thanksgiving, we’ll gather for Thanks & Giving: An Evening with Mission Central at Central Penn College - a night to celebrate the spirit of service that defines our ministry. The event will feature dinner, auctions, and stories that showcase how generosity multiplies when we all come together for a shared purpose. It’s a celebration not only of what has been done, but of what is still possible.

As we approach the end of the year, we’re reminded that preparedness is itself an act of compassion. Disasters rarely give warning, and when they strike - whether a flood in Texas, a fire in Hawaii, or a storm right here in Pennsylvania - Mission Central must be ready to respond within days, sometimes hours. That readiness begins long before the need arises, with shelves stocked, volunteers trained, and supplies organized so that help can move without hesitation.

This is where the connection between thanks and giving becomes real. As we enter the holiday season, we invite individuals, churches, and organizations to join us in turning gratitude into action - helping us keep our warehouse ready for whatever comes next, and ensuring that hope is always just a shipment away.

You can help by:

  1. Donating funds that allow us to purchase supplies quickly and respond immediately when needs arise. 
  2. Donate supplies or host a supply collection drive at your church, office, school, or organization. (Lists and instructions are available at www.missioncentral.org/kits) You can also purchase in-store, or shop from our Amazon Wish List
  3. Volunteering at our warehouse to sort, verify, or ship donations. Many hands truly do make light work.
  4. Praying for those affected by crisis - and for the hands that make this mission possible.

Each act of giving, no matter the size, is a reflection of gratitude in motion. It’s the living embodiment of loving your neighbor - not just in word, but in deed.

As 2025 draws to a close, we look back with deep appreciation for all who make Mission Central what it is: a place where faith becomes tangible, where people come together to serve, and where hope is quite literally packed in boxes and sent out the door.

Thank you for helping make help happen.

Learn more, give, or get involved at www.missioncentral.org.


Merry Christmas from Everstand. Your History of Impact Has Carried Us Every Season.


At Everstand (formerly the United Methodist Home for Children and Board of Child Care), we believe every child deserves moments of connection, joy, and belonging—especially during the holiday season. Throughout the year, we provide enriching experiences for youth in our care. But when the holidays arrive, supporters like you make the true magic possible.

Your generosity brings hope and reminds our youth and families that they are not alone. This holiday, there are meaningful ways you can help light up their lives:

Your donation makes a direct impact. 

It helps us provide warm holiday meals, gifts, and meaningful experiences that create lasting memories. It also funds programs that offer year-round support, giving youth the tools, confidence, and hope to thrive long after the holiday lights fade.

Christmas Gift Sponsorship

Each child creates a wish list—approximately $150 worth of items. By sponsoring a wish list, you help fulfill a child’s personal wish. Funds are needed by Friday, December 5, 2025. You can donate online or mail a check (memo: “Christmas Drive”). 

Christmas Gift Shopping

Love to shop? Let us send you a child’s or living unit’s specific wish list. Gifts must be delivered between December 1 and 12, 2025. Please contact us by November 14 to request a list. Missed the deadline? No worries! You can shop on our Amazon Wish List Christmas Store and bring cheer to the young people at Everstand! 

Everstand Christmas Store

At this event, youth shop for gifts to give to loved ones—bringing pride, connection, and joy. We also provide gifts for families who otherwise could not afford them. 

You can shop via our Amazon Wish List, and your purchases will be sent directly for distribution.

Other ways to offer support:

  • Host an Everstand speaker at your group or event
  • Request a campus tour to learn more
  • Join the Everstand Volunteer Corps to get updates on holiday opportunities

All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Gifts beyond holiday needs help sustain our broader programs. 

Visit everstand.org/christmas/ or scan this QR code to participate in a Christmas Wish List now.

Thank you for making the season brighter for our youth! 

Visit everstand.org/holidaycampaign/ or scan this QR code to make your contribution now and be part of something truly meaningful this holiday season.