Operation Encouragement

SHOWING MERCY TO UPSTATE VETERANS

What is the Opportunity to Serve Veterans in Vulnerable Circumstances?

Dozens of Upstate men and women have served us and other fellow-citizens. Now we have an opportunity to serve many of them and glorify God with our good works. A brother in Christ—a friend of our ministry—works with veterans. Every week, approximately 10 homeless Upstate veterans are assessed and assisted in multiple ways. Right now, there are about 20 veterans hoping to move into transition housing. So there is a need for both Personal Hygiene Kits and Move-in Kits.

Is this Adapting Ministry Opportunities to COVID-19?

Yes. We cancelled the Military Appreciation Lunch and a couple other summer outreach activities. Operation Encouragement is an alternative effort engaging our entire church family.

Do We Have Goals in Mind?

Yes, we would like to provide up to 12 Personal Hygiene Kits for women, and 38 Kits for men. We would like to provide up to 10 Move-In Kits.

What Can Members Do to Help?

Pray

Donate Items for a Kit

See the Kit Lists below.

Bring the items to church on Sunday or during normal weekday hours (M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm).

Donate Monies to Purchase Items for a Kit

Write a check to Heritage Bible Church and designate “Operation Encouragement” on an offering envelope.

Give online by using the new special offering field—“Operation Encouragement.”

Designate cash or gift cards to be used to purchase items.

Write Notes or Create Cards

We have permission to include cards or notes from kids or adults. The notes and cards will be distributed along with the Kits.

What is in the Kits?

Personal Hygiene Kit for 1 Veteran—Individual items are welcome but must be new. For those interested in donating monies to fund a portion of a Kit, the approximate cost for 1 Kit is $70-$90.

Header Column #3	Header Column #3	Header Column #3
Tooth Brushes	Body Wash/Bar Soap	Razors
Tooth Paste	Cotton Swabs	Nail Care Items
Dental Floss/Picks	Feminine Hygiene Products	Lotion
Mouthwash (alcohol-free only)	Deodorant (male/female)	Brushes/Combs
Shampoo/Conditioner	Shaving Cream (male/female)

Move In Kit for 1 Veteran—Individual items are welcome but must be new. For those interested in donating monies to fund a portion of a Kit, the approximate cost for 1 Kit is $375-$425.

Header Column #3	Header Column #3	Header Column #3
Air Mattress (Twin)	Kitchen Knife Set	Cups/Mugs/Glasses
Sheet Sets (Twin)	Pots and Pans Set	Storage Containers
Blankets and Pillows	Small Coffee Maker	Dish Towels/Wash Cloths
Shower Curtains/Liners/Hooks	Kitchen Utensils (can opener, spatula, etc.)	Oven Mitts/Pan Holders
Bathroom Towel Sets	Knives/Forks/Spoons	Broom/Dustpan
Bathmats	Dishes (large/small plates, bowls)	Mop/Bucket

Where Are the Items Being Collected at Church?

On Sundays, bring items to the room next to the Book Resource Center display in the South Lobby. A volunteer will be at the door helping collet and arrange donated items. During the week, please bring items to the church office.

How Long Will the Collection and Special Offering Last?

Now through the week of August 10. We will be delivering Kits to the VA as we gather the items.

Who Do We Contact if We Have Questions?

Gayle Wilkin

Email: afmomusa@yahoo.com

Cell: 864-616-1319