Saturday, August 1, 2020

25 of 195 July eNews: There's strength in community

CITYTEAM. Igniting Hope. Restoring Lives.
 


HOPE in ACTION

JULY 2020
 

 


Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Joseph,

In Matthew’s account of Christ’s life and times, we read of Jesus saying  something truly astounding: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

That’s clearly a universal command for all believers. But it’s also a unifying call  to action for CityTeam — an opportunity to live out God’s restorative love for our neighbors in need, especially during these hard times brought on by COVID-19. 

You see, once we’ve done that, we open the door to helping people not just get past a crisis, but truly experience change in their lives. We want to bring genuine hope to our neighbors and help rebuild our neighborhoods.

I’m so grateful for the many ways in which you, and other friends, partner with us to impact communities for good by volunteering, praying, donating food, and giving financially. Thank you for continuing to stand with CityTeam and loving your neighbors. 

With gratitude,

Kwinn Tucker
Executive Director

Daniel's Story on YouTube

Daniel's Story

Daniel has found hope and shares his story about how his life is being restored restored. From his teens, Daniel drank heavily, eventually battling alcoholism for more than a decade. Living a life without hope, he had no will to live.

Only after coming to CityTeam and joining our recovery program did Daniel ever experience anything at all like hope in his life. He’s grateful for the personal development and the encouragement.

“CityTeam is a safe-house for me to strengthen my faith.” He says, “Hope is something new to me. I’m hopeful for the future I have ahead of me. CityTeam has really given me an opportunity to have a second chance at life.” -- Daniel

Today, Daniel is living a full and sober life. He is valued in the CityTeam Connect overnight shelter, where he finds deep purpose "living and learning" together with his community. Daniel is now a man of ambition; he's pursuing his goals of becoming a drug and alcohol counselor and purchasing a home.

That’s the power of your gift in the lives of men, women, and even entire families who come to CityTeam looking for a new start and to experience lasting change — all because of you and other caring people have shared hope.

 
Backpacks for students in need
 

It's Back to School Backpack Drive Time

We're officially kicking off our annual Back-to-School Drive. For years, we’ve been helping kids across Delaware County to get the essential supplies they need for the school year. This year is no different.

As with everyone, we have had to evaluate new requirements and adapt our programs. Whether students are going back to their classrooms, or starting the new school year at home, we are committed to helping provide backpacks and school supplies for hundreds of students by Aug 7 in time for the new school year.

It’s been a challenging time for students in our community, particularly low-income families who are facing devastating economic hardship who are struggling to even provide food and pay rent. During these hard times, a brand new backpack can serve as a symbol of hope. New, unused school supplies can bring renewed excitement for learning. Let's brighten futures and enable lasting solutions together.

Here are two ways you can make a difference this summer and help a student in need:

  1. Donate Now: Your gift of $10, $20, $35 or more allows us to bulk buy backpacks and fill them with school supplies. You can make a gift here to sponsor a backpack. 
     
  2. Host a Virtual Drive: Organize your own backpack and school supply drive with your church, company, friends, or family. For no contact drop-off, please deliver items to our vestibule by August 7th (Monday-Friday between 9:30-4:30) at CityTeam Chester 634 Sproul Street, Chester, PA 19013. 
    An email in advance of the drop-off is very helpful to Anna Donahoe adonahoe@cityteam.org

We will distribute the backpacks through our partner schools or through our pantry program. Please help us ensure we have enough backpacks for all the students who need school supplies. Thank you!

 
 
 
 

Grant a Wish Today by Shopping Online

We've updated our Amazon wishlist with the urgently needed food and supplies to care for our neighbors in need. Help us give water, diapers, formula, and ready-to-eat food. Consider sponsoring one of the items on our wishlistship the items to us.

Amazon wishlist
 

What's your preference?

We're updating our records and we want to be sure we have all of your information and preferences. 

  • Have you moved and do we have your new address?
  • Do you wish to have an annual donation receipt for tax purposes
  • Do you have a new, preferred email address or phone number?
  • Do you have a new credit card number for your monthly donations? 
  • Would you like to adjust the frequency of email updates?

Nancy Craskey, our Director of Development, would be glad to assist you with any of these updates. You can contact her at: ncraskey@cityteam.org or (610) 872-6865 x 6114.

 
 
 

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

 

 

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