December’s mission is our annual support of Church World Service, an organization active in ministry to people in disasters in the United States and throughout the world.  

One of the many things this group provides to those in need is a blanket.  When we first began this traditional December mission emphasis the blankets cost about $5.00.  Like everything else in life, the cost has risen until now it is $10.00 for one blanket.  

In 2018 over 174, 000 blankets were given out. From January through June 2019 CWS has distributed 21,574 blankets in the United States out of 34,856 distributed around the world. Along with the blankets, kits are distributed based on need: Clean-up Buckets for disaster areas; Hygiene, School Kits and Baby-care kits for refugees as well as those who have lost everything. 

These blankets provide more than warmth.  They can be spread on the ground, used as a bed, used for privacy, used for shade, or used to contain and carry personal possessions.

Most importantly, it is another opportunity for us to care for “the least of these,” as Jesus has said, “whenever you do it to the least of these, you have done it unto me.”  To a person who has lost everything a blanket can be the reminder that there are people who care, therefore the simple blanket becomes a symbol of hope.

As we enjoy a warm Christmas with family and friends, may we join together to send warmth, shelter, hope and love to people whose needs are much greater than ours.