Advent 2nd Mile 2024

Second Mile Giving is over and above the Operational Budget and donations will be divided evenly among the organizations listed below. Please be generous as these organizations need on our gifts in order to be more faithful and effective.

Circle of Concern

Now serving four west St. Louis County school districts as well as areas of Jefferson County, Circle of Concern provides wholesome foods and a host of other services to more than 1,200 households annually.

Circle’s tagline is, “Feeding families is just the beginning.” They know that when a family is struggling to put food on the table, there are likely other needs as well. So they offer wraparound support for eligible households: wholesome foods, emergency rent and utility assistance, counseling, career mentorship, scholarships, kid programs and more! These programs work together to take a little off clients’ financial plates, and help them to get back on their feet. Along with a caring community of volunteers, donors and community partners, they help families move from crisis and uncertainty to stability.

Learn more: https://www.circleofconcern.org/ 

Emmaus Homes

Adults with developmental disabilities find the services, support and care they need to reach their highest potential at Emmaus Homes. Through a variety of residential, habilitative and recreational programs, each client receives individualized care based on their needs, interests and goals. With a large number of individual Emmaus homes spread out across the metro area, their clients receive stable and supportive housing, home management training, budget tutoring, grocery shopping and meal prep assistance, as well as physical, occupational, speech and behavior therapy services – all so they can live their best lives.

Learn more: https://emmaushomes.org/ye-home/

Metro Tans Umbrella Group

MTUG is a grassroots, trans-focused organization that began in 2013 when a few  strive to serve, unite, strengthen, and empower trans people by creating visibility, providing education, and promoting positive change in St. Louis and beyond.

Over the past few years, the United States has seen a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and Missouri is no exception. Many of this legislation targets trans communities, making it more difficult to access things like sports, bathrooms, and vital healthcare. Now more than ever it is crucial to support the work of MTUG as they provide a safe space to engage with other transgender adults and learn how to navigate the transitions life has to offer.

MTUG has a Community Center; Call Center; Food Pantry; Support Group Meetings; Transgender Memorial Garden; and a Booth at Pride events

Some of our $ gifts will help fund name changes and updated passports.

Learn more: https://www.stlmetrotrans.org/

The Christmas Fund

The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees.

Learn more: https://www.pbucc.org/index.php/christmas-fund-home

Please be sure to clearly mark your 2nd Mile gifts throughout the season of Advent.