Girls' Homemade Jewelry Raised Money for Supplies for the Homeless

Sisters Blossom and Willow heard about Compassion4Campers at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 West Bull Valley Road in McHenry, which they attend with their parents. Since 2012 the congregation has sponsored the program to lend support to the homeless who are left without reliable shelter every year when the PADS church shelters close May through September. When the congregation began collecting supplies for the homeless, the girls decided to earn their own money to purchase needed items.

Blossom and Willow enlisted as school friend, Tory and the three of them made hand crafted hair clips and bracelets to sell. Together in a few weeks they sold enough of their jewelry to buy an impressive array that included bug spray, sun screen, clean new socks, and a variety of non-perishable snacks.

On Monday, June 8 they were on hand at the PADS office at 14411 Kishwaukee Valley Road near Woodstock for the weekly lunch provided by Compassion4Campers volunteers. They got to see their contributions distributed and accepted by folks who needed it. The girls also got to meet and spend time getting to know the recipients on a personal basis. There was joy and a few tears.

Sue Rekenthaler, who helps coordinate the program, wrote on a Tree of Life Facebook group page, “It was truly art, compassion, and resistance to a world that often turns its back on those different from us. We should all be very proud of these young women. They even got an order for a bracelet from one of the guys! It was truly heartwarming and spiritually uplifting.”

The lunch this week was provided by, cooked, and served by the Frothy Boys, the Congregation’s a cappella male singing group noted for their doo-wop, barbershop, and other close harmony performances which help raise money for a number of local organizations. At the end of the lunch they serenaded the girls with three numbers, including their signature Let Me Call You Sweetheart.

The lunches, served every Monday of the season at noon, are provided by various groups of volunteers recruited from within the congregation and from the wider community. There are still open dates available this summer for groups to volunteer to provide and prepare lunches.There are still open dates available this summer. Clubs, churches, or families are welcome to volunteer to purchase and prepare nourishing and tasty meals. Individuals can also volunteer to help serve and clean up, as well as just to eat and converse with the guests. Tree of Life will also continue to accept donations of supplies for the campers.

For information, to volunteer, or for a list of items needed for donations, contact Sue Rekenthaler at tomatoes@mc.net or visit http://treeoflifeuu.org/serve/social-responsibility/outreach/ .