Advent Serving Opportunities 2024
During this Advent season we look to prophecies in the book of Isaiah about Jesus’ coming. In Isaiah 61 we read that he came to bind up the brokenhearted, comfort all who mourn, set prisoners free and bring joy and restoration to the world. And as we look around and see others hurting, we want to do something tangible to practice the justice and compassion of Jesus, however small our efforts might be. That’s why we want to share ways to serve during Advent with your family, LifeGroup, or friends. Questions about any of these opportunities? Contact Chandra Hallam, Assistant Outreach Director.
Show Hospitality to Arriving Refugees – Our local outreach partner World Relief Western Washington will have an influx of families resettling in the greater Seattle area before the year ends. Show Christ-like welcome to those who have been forced to flee their countries by building a welcome kit, donating household items through their Amazon wish list or volunteering to help with airport arrivals and bringing meals and groceries for families first days in the country. Fill out this form to indicate your interest and availability. All ages.
Coffee Oasis Family Christmas Project
Sponsor a tailored youth Christmas gift to be shared at Coffee Oasis’ Family Christmas parties. Or you can purchase specific items for the Tacoma Youth Shelter and drop-in center on their Amazon wish list, and pray for struggling youth. All ages.
Tacoma Rescue Mission gift shopping event or Holiday meals
Prepare a Christmas shopping experience for families experiencing homelessness by donating gifts before Friday, December 13, or volunteering Monday-Thursday, December 16-19. You can also serve a warm meal at one of the shelter campuses any time in December. Sign up for a volunteer account and once approved, you can log in and select open volunteer shifts. Volunteers 8 years and up for meals. Some opportunities are for 18 and up.
Stockings for Tacoma Rescue Mission shelter residents
Fill stockings for adults or teens staying in the shelters with small gifts – both practical and fun – and tasty, non-perishable treats! Include a personal Christmas card to bless neighbors staying in shelters. Drop stockings off at TRM Donation Center at 504 S. 30th Street in Tacoma before December 20, Monday-Saturday from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Chandra Hallam has some empty stockings ready to be filled if needed. All ages.
FISH Food Bank volunteering, food and gifts
Bless our neighbors struggling to put food on the table by signing up to help with food drives at Safeway Friday-Saturday, December 6-7. We invite you to bring non-perishable food donations every Sunday to the cart in the Compassion Corner near Door D at Chapel Hill.You may also donate gifts for kids and youth before December 15 so families can select special gifts for their children. All ages.
Sandwiches & Snacks for Tacoma Rescue Mission Search & Rescue Ministry
Offer simple blessings of food to isolated neighbors on the streets who need hope. Street Ministries member empowerment group collects items every Friday ongoing outside Chapel Hill Door H at 3:00 pm. Sign up here to make sandwiches or snack kits. Please do not leave items outside the church building. All ages.