We support many local, national, and global initiatives and projects that minister to those in need within our local community and to those in need overseas. These are a few organizations with whom we have a long history.
JOY (Jonestown Outreach PantrY)
“For the hungry facing difficult circumstances.” This is a new project begun in 2011, supported by area churches and hosted by St. John’s UCC, 120 W. Market Street, Jonestown, PA 17038. The pantry is open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every third Thursday of the month. We support the pantry by taking several collections of canned goods throughout the year.
Lebanon County Christian Ministries
Lebanon County Christian Ministries shares the love of Jesus by providing emergency food, clothing, shelter, and guidance toward personal sustainability.
LCCM began its history 40 years ago as a small food pantry. Area churches joined together in response to the Bethlehem Steel Plant closing. Many of the workers had worked at the plant through several generations and had no skills other than nut and bolt fabrication. They had a hard time finding jobs, which made it difficult to feed their families. Acknowledging the hardship, Christian churches joined together to provide the much needed food.
Today, LCCM has grown into a multi-faceted organization. In addition to food, LCCM provides shelter, clothing, sponsors the daily free noon meal, provides heating energy and water bill assistance, administers the USDA’s federal government surplus food program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program CSFP).
Northern Lebanon Clothing Closet
Located IU-13’s Northern Education Center (formerly Jonestown Elementary School; look for Door 13 off of S. Lancaster Street), Northern Lebanon Clothing Closet mission is to provide free clothing and dignified shopping experience to those in need in its community. NL Clothing Closet is a ministry of the Northern Lebanon Ministerium, comprised of churches in Northern Lebanon School District. If questions or would like more information, please call 717-454-3697 or email nlclothingcloset[@]gmail.com.
Samaritan’s Purse distributes wrapped shoeboxes filled with toys, hygiene items, and school supplies to children in need in third world countries during the holidays. For many years we have collected shoeboxes and items to fill those boxes. In November, we have a merry time wrapping and packing the shoeboxes during Christian Connection. And, most exciting of all, sometimes we hear from those who have received our shoeboxes through a letter or through facebook!
UCC Homes has served older adults in Central Pennsylvania since 1965; there are two campuses in Lebanon County: the Lebanon Valley Home and Kindred Place, both located in Annville.