Hope and Friendship Foundation announces 15th year of "Warm a Heart"

Update 2/3/23:

Very early this morning I made my "hope list" for who I would love to gift these bags of love and light. Not just our homeless shelters awaiting these gifts, not just our senior facilities welcoming this pick me up, but an additional list of friends who have recently lost a loved one, are in a battle that is draining their spirit, those within our arm's reach who are alone and lonely.
All of these deserve to receive this little bag with mighty power to put a smile on a face that hasn't been able to smile in way too long.
When I was finished the list totaled 1200.
We started 15 years ago with a goal of 200, then grew to 500, then to 800....was I asking for too much?
Then I spent the afternoon moving donations to Old Quarry and my heart was filled with gratitude for the people God placed me among. I saw bags and bags and bags already made, donations of snack bars and beautifully scripted uplifting notes. As I was hauling my 4th load one bag caught my eye.

"Everything will be okay"

Oh what a strong statement that shamed me for doubting.
Yes my friend.
It will.
You, my friends always come through to be love, light and healing.
I look forward to seeing any who wish to join us this Saturday Feb. 4th.
10am-12noon @ Old Quarry Middle School.
No RSVP needed.
Just a willing heart and spirit to be in our beautiful chaos!!!!
♡ Thank you so very much to Dr. McConnell, Joe Sweeney, and the Old Quarry staff for allowing us the space to make this magic happen.

We do these types of outreaches all year long, we're in our 18th year and just getting stronger!
Hoping to join hands, feet, and hearts with you being a conduit of compassion this year.

Join our email list by visiting
www.hopeandfriendshipfoundation.com
Or email
Terri@hopeandfriendshipfoundation.com

#everythingwillbeokay
#lovelightandhope
#warmaheartliftaspirit
#onevillageunited
#manyneedsmanyheartseveryonematters
#hopeandfriendshipfoundation

“Warm a Heart, Lift a Spirit” Sack Lunch Event 2023
Saturday Feb. 4th 10am-12noon @ Old Quarry Middle School (or as a DIY project)

Help us create 500 (or more) “Warm a Heart Sacks” to nourish body & spirit, as a gift for clients of Morningstar Mission; Daybreak Shelter; seniors in several of the senior centers in the Lemont Community; and homebound friends here within our arm’s reach, and just beyond.

Donations sought: **Prepackaged snacks (granola bars, breakfast bars, small bags of nuts; pretzels; crackers, etc.) **NOTES!!! Positive uplifting notes to help lift the spirit of the recipient; **$5 gift cards (McDonalds, Burger King, Subway)
Drop off by Feb. 3rd to bins at: Old Quarry (in entryway); Lemont Police Dept. (in entryway); Starbucks, Lemont (bin in NW corner). Or see below to create “Warm a Heart” bags on your own and drop off by Friday Feb. 3rd.

**How to create “Warm a heart” lunch bags on your own:
1) Start by creating positive/uplifting notes- the more the better!
2) Decorate a large paper lunch bag or small handled paper bag (approx. 11” x 6”)
3) Add 4-6 notes in the bottom of the bag
4) Option- Add a $5 gift card to McDonalds; Burger King; or Subway (not required)
5) Add 3-5 Prepackaged snacks (granola, breakfast bars, etc.)
6) Simply roll bag closed and move onto another J
7) Drop off “Warm a heart” lunch bags BY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3rd to one of the donation sites listed below
NO FRESH FOOD in “Warm a Heart” Sacks- some bags will sit for days until event and/or delivery day

**The uplifting notes of encouragement, inspiration, etc., are the heart of this gift, and are kept for long after the lunch has been eaten. They are read and reread at times when someone needs to know they are in the hearts, thoughts of a “friend”. **Notes can be dropped off in bins.
**Donations of $5 gift cards to fill the bags with a lunch for later can be dropped off to Terri (email or text for drop off options)
**This is a community service opportunity event- Join us in person on Feb 4th or keep track of your time and we will sign your tally sheet.

Drop off donations, by Fri. Feb. 3rd, to bins for the “Warm a Heart” Lunch Bags: Old Quarry Middle School (bin inside front door); Starbucks- Lemont (bin NW corner); Lemont Police Dept. entry area (bin in corner on left)
Drop off donations of $5 Gift Cards (McDonalds; Burger King; Subway): email or text 630-816-4972 for drop-off options

For questions or information on this Hope and Friendship event please email
Email: info@hopeandfriendshipfoundation.com
More info on our website: www.hopeandfriendshipfoundation.com