United Women of Faith donate to the Manchester Family Services
Susan, pastor of Manchester United Methodist Church, giving a check to Manchester Family Services president Marlene Uphaus. Photo courtesy of Pastor Susan Hitts.
submitted by Pastor Susan Hitts, Manchester United Methodist Church
On the third Wednesday of every month, the basement of Manchester United Methodist Church is filled with laughter, conversation, and plenty of food. Volunteers with Manchester Family Services gather to sort, pack, and share food with neighbors in the community. What begins as a busy morning ends with families receiving the support they need.
Seeing this work up close has inspired others to help. Members of the United Women of Faith at Manchester United Methodist Church were moved by the care shown through Manchester Family Services and wanted to support the food program in a meaningful way.
In December, the United Women of Faith hosted their annual Forgotten Christmas Sale/Vendor Show/Cookie Walk/Sloppy Joe Lunch during Christmas in the Village. Community members donated gently used Christmas decorations, which were then offered to others for a freewill donation. The Cookie Walk and Sloppy Joe Lunch were sponsored by the United Women in Faith. The money raised is given back to support local needs in Manchester.
This year, in addition to the previously reported $2,000 given to support a local child struggling with cancer and a donation of $1,000 to the Manchester Community Resource Center, $500 was donated to Manchester Family Services to help continue its work of feeding families in the area.
These events show how a caring community works together. Neighbors donate decorations they no longer use. Other neighbors give a donation to take those items home. Gifted bakers create Christmas cookies and the community supports the ministry. Then, the money raised goes right back into the community to help those in need. At every step, it is neighbors helping neighbors.
United Women of Faith thanks everyone who donated decorations for Forgotten Christmas and supported the Cookie Walk, lunch, and vendors. Your generosity is making a real difference in our community while having fun. Pastor Susan Hitts echoed, “One of the best parts of ministry is seeing people come together to bless and care for others.”
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 5, 2026, to join us this year during Christmas in the Village. You can even bring back any unused decorations, prior to the sale, and refresh your Christmas stash.
Bread products waiting to be distributed by Manchester Family Services. Photo courtesy of Pastor Susan Hitts.
Bags of potatoes waiting to be distributed by Manchester Family Services. Photo courtesy of Pastor Susan Hitts.
Boxes of peppers waiting to be bagged by Manchester Family Services and distributed. Photo courtesy of Pastor Susan Hitts.
Photo of food bagged by Manchester Family Services, waiting to be distributed. Photo courtesy of Pastor Susan Hitts.
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