Clothing Donations Requested for UUCR trip to CityReach

The Senior High Youth group of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading(UUCR) is sending several members to CityReach, Boston in February of 2017. ‘ CityReach is an overnight urban outreach program begun in March 1996 for youth (with accompanying adults), young adults, and college students from churches of any denomination. The program gives these young people the opportunity to learn firsthand about homelessness from people who have experienced it. During the 20 hour session, participants join CityReach staff in street ministry and offer hospitality, food and clothing. This is followed by times of sharing and reflection.’

While visiting CityReach, UUCR youth will support an Open House at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul where 200 guests are expected for community lunch and fellowship. Youth participants and their congregation are asked to collect clean, warm, used adult winter clothing for distribution to guests visiting the Open House. Needed items include: Warm coats (the bigger the better), Sweatshirts (hooded are in great demand), Sweat pants, Sweaters, Long sleeved shirts, Jeans and other warm casual pants (80% for men), Waterproof gloves, Waterproof boots, Comfortable seasonably appropriate shoes, Seasonably appropriate sneakers, Warm hats (no baseball caps please), and Belts. NEW White socks of all sizes, and NEW Underwear of all sizes for women and men are welcomed. There is also a need for carrying cases including backpacks, tote bags, fanny packs, and small suitcases with wheels. Please check for working zippers, buckles, locks, straps, and wheels. Please note that 80% of guests who visit CityReach are male, therefore clothing donations are requested accordingly. Large sizes XL, XXL, XXXL are in great demand.

All donations should be delivered to UUCR (corner of Summer Ave. and Woburn Street, Reading MA) no later than noontime on Thursday, February 9. Donations may be dropped off on Sunday mornings or when the office is open: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. For more information call (781)-944-0494 or go to www.uureading.org. To learn more about CityReach go to http://commoncathedral.org/cityreach.