Once again, the Mission Ministry will celebrate the arrival of the Christmas season with collections for vital local charities. We will continue to update this page as more details become available. You will find all the latest updates here.
Toiletries for Emmaus House – Extended to December 21!
We will be collecting toiletry supplies for Emmaus House of Haverhill through the third Sunday of Advent, with a collection end date of Sunday, December 21.
Emmaus is specifically in need of the following items:
- toothpaste
- floss
- mouthwash
- shampoo
- conditioner
- razors
- shaving cream
- lotion
- deodorant
- body wash
Right now they have plenty of toothbrushes.
We have been a longtime supporter for Emmaus House – providing meals, Easter baskets, cookouts, and all type of supplies – kitchen items, linens and toiletries. Emmaus operates two emergency shelters: Mitch’s Place for single adults and the Emmaus Family Shelter for families with children. Their shelters provide a safe bed, warm meals, and support services for those who have no place else to turn.
December 21 – Financial Donations Towards the Reading Food Pantry
Good News! The pantry shelves are currently full! However, the shelves will start to empty after the surge of holiday donations is depleted. The food pantry purchases some fresh food and other food in bulk. They need money for these items. Please consider a financial donation on December 21 using one of these options.
Cash – Put your cash donation in an envelope labelled food pantry.
Check – Please make out the check to FCCR (note Food Pantry in the memo). We will then present the food pantry with one check for the combined amount.
Gift Card – Purchase a Market Basket or Stop & Shop gift card
Credit Card – Use this link to donate on our church website. https://www.churchofreading.org/donate/. Select “Give to Reading Food Pantry” from the drop-down menu, and please consider adding the amount to cover the processing fee as noted on the payment form.
Now until Sunday, January 4th: Used coat collection
We are once again a collection point for the Anton’s Coats for Kids drive. Please drop off gently used coats for kids and adults in the box near the Chapel. The last drop off is Sunday, Jan 4, noon. Any winter coat in good condition (no rips, stains, broken zippers) is welcome, especially plus sizes. Each fall, Anton’s Cleaners collects, cleans and distributes approximately 50,000 coats for children and adults. Nearly 90 social service agencies make sure that the coats get to those in need, free of charge. Since the program’s inception in 1995, Anton’s have collected and distributed over one million coats.
More info at https://antons.com/cfk/about-us/
Complete! – November 30 – December 7: Coat Boston and The Holiday Shop
Coat Boston and The Holiday Shop are charitable giving programs based on the belief that everyone deserves to have a warm coat during the winter – especially the youngest and most vulnerable in the community. Last year we supported their mission by providing 35 coats, 2 bags of hats, and one bag of toys.
We are looking to support their wish list again this year:
- Coats – New winter coats for children size 6 moths and above, to teen and adult sizes XXXL.
- Winter Accessories – New winter accessories – hats, mittens, and gloves in child to adult sizes. (If you also buy a coat, consider coordinating.)
- Toys – New toys, action figures and ethnic dolls, ages infant through middle school
- Gifts for Children and Teens – New books, art supplies, and games, ages pre-school through high school
- Sports Equipment – New sporting equipment, all ages, soccer balls are in demand
- Gift Cards – Gift cards from vendors such as Amazon, Target, and Stop & Shop in any denomination
For the coats, you may purchase and donate a new coat, for infants through adults. Or you may contribute cash, Kohl’s cash, or gift cards to our Mission Ministry, and we will purchase the coats with the combined funds. The Mission Ministry is also donating benevolence funds to buy new coats.
Coat Boston also has an Amazon Wish List of coats, from infants to teens and adults, which you can access by clicking here. Or you can visit www.coatboston.org under “Donate” which has links to the Amazon wish list. If you purchase from the wish list, the coats will be delivered directly to Coat Boston. This is available through November 24, 2025.
Please contact Linda or the church office with any additional ideas or questions about this important drive.
For additional information you can visit their website www.coatboston.org