First Pres Cranford Seeking Volunteers!

The First Presbyterian Church of Cranford (11 Springfield Ave, Cranford) is looking for excited volunteers to assist with their fifth year hosting Operation Warm Heart.

Operation Warm Heart is an emergency sheltering program administered by the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless. The program runs from December until March at various houses of worship in Union County. The First Presbyterian Church of Cranford (FPPC) runs every Tuesday evening, 6:30 PM - 7:45 AM the following day. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer, as the church tries to offer guests a wide array of services. The program also accepts donations, so interested parties can also feel free to assist by giving! Finally, if interested parties think of a way to volunteer that is not listed, throw it out to Operation Warm Heart - FPCC coordinator Catherine Felegi at Catherine.Felegi@gmail.com, and she will gladly work with you.

"All roles have wiggle room, so if you are interested in something but need to alter a little, let me know," explains Felegi. "Even if you spread the word and help me get people to sign up, that is incredibly helpful."

Those interested should email Felegi at Catherine.Felegi@gmail.com, or call her at (908) 578-8500. Let's make this winter a warm one for those in need!

Description of Roles:

• Breakfast/Dinner Host: Cooks and serves dinner for 17-23 individuals maximum (14-20 guests and 3 overnight hosts). Will be notified the Friday prior to hosting approximately how many people to cook for. Assembles breakfast bags for guests so that they can eat breakfast on the go.
• Overnight Host: Sleeps over at the church. Usually leaves by 7:45 AM. Is always partnered with a church member. We try to get three volunteers but always require two.
• Nurse: Must have proper credentials.
• Lawyer: Must have proper credentials.
• Behavioral Therapist: Must have proper credentials.
• Social Butterfly: Walks around and makes sure guests feel welcomed. Fills in roles as required.
• Sewing Volunteer: Performs minor sewing repairs. Feast or famine role. We have a sewing machine and all materials.
• Hair Stylist: Must have proper credentials.
• Fruit/Milk Provider: Provides a half-gallon of milk (for coffee) and fruit of your choice for guests. Can be dropped off prior to Tuesday hosting.
• Pop-Up Shop Helper: Helps run the pop-up clothing shop (acts as a personal shopper for guests, notifies me if guests have certain needs, keeps things tidy).

Roles Still Needed, Separated By Date:
Tuesday, December 4th:
One overnight host
One lawyer
One sewing volunteer

Tuesday, December 11th:
One overnight host
One lawyer

Tuesday, December 18th:
One nurse
One lawyer

Tuesday, December 25th (still verifying):
One overnight host

Tuesday, January 1st:
One overnight host

Tuesday, January 8th:
One overnight host
One nurse
One lawyer
One sewing volunteer

Tuesday, January 15th:
One breakfast/dinner host
One overnight host
One nurse
One lawyer
One sewing volunteer
One fruit/milk provider

Tuesday, January 22nd:
Two overnight hosts
One nurse
One lawyer
Two sewing volunteers
One fruit/milk provider

Tuesday, January 29th:
One overnight host
One nurse
One lawyer
One sewing volunteer

Tuesday, February 5th:
One overnight host
One lawyer
One social butterfly
One sewing volunteer

Tuesday, February 12th:
Dinner host
One overnight host
One nurse
One lawyer
One sewing volunteer
One fruit/milk provider
One pop-up shop helper

Tuesday, February 19th:
Two overnight hosts
One nurse
One lawyer
One sewing volunteer
One fruit/milk provider
One pop-up shop helper

Tuesday, February 26th:
One breakfast/dinner host
Three overnight hosts
One nurse
One lawyer
Two sewing volunteers

Tuesday, March 5th:
Two overnight hosts

Tuesday, March 12th:
Three overnight hosts
One nurse
One lawyer
One sewing volunteer
One pop-up shop helper

Tuesday, March 19th:
Two overnight hosts
One nurse
One lawyer
Two sewing volunteers
One pop-up shop helper

Tuesday, March 26th:
One overnight host
One nurse
One lawyer
One social butterfly
Two sewing volunteers