Donate food to a food pantry

Metro CareRing is an emergency assistance service for those in need in Metro Denver and is supported by a partnership of church congregations (including Augustana). Gifts of money, food, toiletries, diapers, household items, and new toys are always graciously received. There are boxes in Augustana’s Narthex and Fellowship Hall that are clearly marked for food and household goods donations. Donations are accepted in these boxes throughout the year plus a special emphasis during Lent. Who to contact: Kay and Ken Madsen (720-949-1633, kandcmadsen@comcast.net). Who can participate: Adults and children of all ages.

Donate clothes to the homeless

The Denver Rescue Mission, the oldest full-service Christian charity serving the needy in the Rocky Mountain region, was founded in 1892. During the year, the Denver Rescue Mission provides shelter, food, clothing, education, Christian teaching, and work discipline to meet individuals at their physical and spiritual points of need. There is a box in Fellowship Hall that is clearly marked for clothing donations. Donations are accepted in this box throughout the year. Who to contact: Kay and Ken Madsen (720-949-1633,kandcmadsen@comcast.net). Who can participate: Adults and children of all ages.

Worship with women in prison

Four adults from Augustana are invited to share in a worship service at the New Beginnings Church at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. The group will meet at Augustana and then meet the pastor at the facility. The women are very welcoming to guests. Who to contact: Jean Gall (303-355-8470, duanegall@aol.com). Who can participate: Adults and children of all ages.

Build a house for a local needy family

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization. Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 50,000 houses with families throughout the United States and another 100,000-plus houses in communities around the world. Holy Hammers, a faith-based coalition of 15 churches in the Denver area, provides funding for materials and recruits volunteers. Volunteers work on house construction for one day. No experience is needed. Who to contact: Craig Tamminga (303-750-7042, tammfamily@msn.com). Who can participate: Adults and children 16 years and older.

Volunteer at food pantries

Metro CareRing is a food bank in downtown Denver that extends a helping hand to those who are having many types of problems. Augustana and other sponsoring churches provide volunteers who are trained (at Metro CareRing) to work one-on-one with families, fill food orders, or stock pantry shelves. No previous experience is necessary. Weekdays and Tuesday evening. Who to contact: Kay and Ken Madsen (720-949-1633, kandcmadsen@comcast.net). Who can participate: Adults and children 12 years and older.

Give a gift to ELCA World Hunger

ELCA World Hunger is a comprehensive and sustainable program that uses multiple strategies—relief, development, education, and advocacy—to address the root causes of hunger and poverty. ELCA World Hunger responds to neighbors around the corner and around the world. Click here to give a gift for World Hunger or use the green envelopes available in Augustana’s pew pockets.

Give a gift to ELCA Disaster Response

ELCA Disaster Response helps to bring God’s comfort, healing and renewal to those affected by disasters. And when the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need. When designating your gift for a specific disaster, 100 percent of that gift is used for immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts following that disaster. Click here to give a gift for Disaster Response or designate a gift using envelopes available in Augustana’s pew pockets.