Members of Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora got together recently to assemble cold weather care kits to be given to those in need in the area this winter.
The free family activity, which was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 15 at the church at 14 N. May St. in Aurora, was part of the semi-monthly Wednesday Night Gatherings program which church officials offer throughout the school year.
Wesley United Methodist Church Children and Families Director Michelle Curiel said that the Gatherings events include a free dinner followed by a family activity, something that the Rev. Tammy Scott of Wesley United believes will be especially impactful this month as there are unique needs this time of year among the homeless and the needy.
“We’re putting together our cold weather care kits. This is our regular intergenerational activity with dinner served and it’s open to the community as well,” Scott said.
“The kits include lotion, hats, gloves, granola bars, hand warmers, Chapstick – a variety of things” that will be placed in gallon zipper bags, she said.
Curiel asked that members of the church and their friends donate the items which also included tissue packs, socks, travel-size lotion and deodorant, alcohol-free hand sanitizer, wet wipes, ibuprofen and applesauce packets.
“I feel that we got a lot of donations. The whole apron of our stage is full. I pretty much put out an ask with details about what people can bring, and everyone brings a lot which is a great problem to have,” Curiel said. “I think the personal connection people will have with those in need is good. I think a lot of families are looking for ways to be a part of helping with our shelters so it’s good for kids to see it takes many hands to lighten the load.”
Scott agreed the care kits program allows parents as well as kids to connect directly with those most in need.
“As both a pastor and a mom, it’s really important for me to give kids opportunities to recognize all of the things they have in life that not everyone has, and this is a small but simple way to be able to put a hands-on activity in front of all ages and make a direct impact,” she said. “The kids and their parents will take them in their cars and, when it’s safe, roll down the window and hand them to somebody who is holding a sign asking for assistance. We’re connecting by not only making the kits but directly handing them out.”
More than three dozen took part in packing 45 kits for those in need.
Claudia Smith of Aurora came with her daughter, Luli, to the event at Wesley United and said she has been a member of the church for 12 years.
She noted that she and her family have done a number of service projects before for the church, including packing cold weather care kits.
“We’ve done a lot. My mom is coming too and she has donated plenty of items,” Smith said.
“My mom and I are from Bolivia and we’ve been in the Methodist church our whole lives so it’s just part of what we do,” Smith added. “That’s the mission, that’s the purpose. Why else would we be here? It’s a good life lesson. We care for the neighborhood, and they care for us.”
Tamara Daranuta of Aurora also came with her family and, like Smith, said she came out on a cold night to help those in need.
“We want to help our community and I’m happy that my kid gets involved so she can learn and be a good girl in the future,” she said.
Her daughter Laura said she knew about the packing of the kits and was ready to do her part.
“I’m happy to do this,” she said. “I feel good about it.”
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
