Hope comes in all shapes and sizes

Hope comes in all shapes and sizes

Can hope come in a tube? A can? You betcha! 
 
It even comes in a pair of socks and gift cards.
 
This fall, the wonderful United Methodist Women (UMW) from throughout the Illinois Great Rivers Conference (IGRC) blessed our kids with Hope Gifts which include things like toothpaste, deodorant, hand soap, lotion, towels and washcloths, gift cards and more. While these may seem like basic items, each represents so much more. 
 
Our youth feel loved when they know that UMWs and friends of Cunningham are making a choice to give items that take care of their personal needs. In many cases our youth have not had adults who cared for them in such a loving way. So that's why we say, hope gifts offer HOPE because it offers the opportunity to feel loved. 
 
In addition, handmade quilts received by friends and UMW units throughout the year provide our youth with comfort and warmth. As our youth experience love, they open up, receive treatment, and find the healing that helps them become all who God created them to be.
 
If you want to join with others to give hope, you can visit our wish lists. And our Christmas wish list is available too.
 
Also, the IGRC recognized the wonderful servant hearts of UMWs throughout the conference on Sunday, September 20. The UMWs have been the stewards of our home, caring for the needs of our kids for 120 years. We join with all those throughout the conference to say thank you to the United Methodist Women. Cunningham is grateful for your generous spirits!