Community Success Stories


Washington

Enrolled in PRIDE 1974, 2010, 2012

Washington1 Washington2 Washington3

The Christmas Compassion Project as taken from Washington's Community Capital Application in Human Capital:

Since 2003 the Washington County Ministerial Association has sponsored an Angel Tree.  A second benevolent project has been the Christmas Food Gift Box.  These two projects have provided significant and altruistic service for Washington County citizens over the years.

Washington PRIDE established ‘ownership’ of the Food Gift project in 2010.  One of the PRIDE committee members, Rev. Randy Jellison-Knock, has been the driving force behind the Angel Tree Project.  Washington PRIDE decided in 2011 to add a third segment to the Christmas Compassion Projects; a Christmas dinner for all Angel Tree and PRIDE Food Box recipients.  One hundred “elves” (i.e., community volunteers), who helped with the Christmas Compassion Project served approximately 500 meals on Saturday, December 17, 2011.  The menu included ham, corn, bread, jello/lettuce salads, pie, ice cream, coffee and water.

The Project Goals included locating food sponsors, business owners, and individuals to help make the project a success.

Saturday, December 17, 2011 was the culmination of all the work that went into the Christmas Compassion Project.  A total of 323 Angel Tree gifts were distributed, 155 PRIDE Food boxes were delivered, and 550 Christmas dinners prepared.  This project represented $20,000 in donations, over 2000 volunteer hours, and hundreds of personal vehicle delivery miles.

Washington PRIDE meets twice a month to discuss ongoing projects.  Starting in late September of 2011, most of the meeting times were spent in discussing how to proceed with the Christmas Compassion Project.  Over 40 food businesses in Washington County were contacted and asked if they could/would donate food to the project.  The first positive response was when PRIDE received a confirmation from county swine producers who said they would donate 150 pounds of ham for the meals.  Non-food businesses were asked to donate plates, plastic-ware, cups, napkins and beverages.

283 Washington County businesses were sent letters specifically asking for help with the Christmas Compassion projects.  PRIDE sent news’ releases to the county’s weekly papers, and the project begin to gain momentum.

Washington PRIDE had the support of many partners across Washington County.  All of the Angel Tree requests were filled from individuals purchasing items requested for the Angel Tree’s ‘gifts.’  Each PRIDE food gift box contained enough food for approximately eight meals.  All $30 boxes were sponsored either by individual Washington citizens or county businesses.  Food businesses donated and/or sold (at a reduced cost) nearly all of the items for the Christmas dinners.  Other business owners contributed to the total project.  Elves were individuals who donated their time to help prepare, serve and deliver meals, food boxes and gifts.

The Washington PRIDE Committee and the Washington Ministerial Association accomplished a successful Washington County Christmas Compassion Project.  Summarily, 323 Angel Tree gifts were distributed, 155 PRIDE food boxes were provided, 550 Christmas dinners were served, over $20,000 was donated, 2,000 volunteer hours accumulated, and hundreds of miles of personal vehicle delivery miles were accumulated.

 

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