Community Columns

Aquebogue News: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church’s charity drive

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is an active participant in Operation Christmas Child, a wonderful outreach that provides shoeboxes full of practical and fun gifts for needy children around the world. The mission statement at samaritanspurse.org, the organization that leads OCC, reads: “Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Our Redeemer has been collecting items to put into the shoeboxes. Last week, the church hosted a box-stuffing celebration. From Nov. 17 to the 24th it will be collecting already-prepared boxes. The dates/times for dropoffs are as follows: Monday, Nov. 17, 3 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 21, 4 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday, Nov. 24, 7 to 10 a.m.

The church is also accepting donations for Thanksgiving baskets for local families in need. Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the church Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon through Nov. 22. If you have any further questions on the Christmas boxes or the donations for local outreaches, call the church at 722-4000.

Happy birthday to my husband, Steve, who will celebrate Nov. 22. He is a little over 40 and holding. Also, a great, big happy birthday wish goes to my daughter MaryAngela, who will turn 21 Nov. 25. We are planning lunch in Mattituck and two winery tours to celebrate her special day.

My next column will be for the Thanksgiving edition, Nov. 27. I would love to hear all about what you are thankful for this holiday. Please send me your news and your thankful thoughts by Friday, Nov. 21, at 8 a.m. I have a 10 a.m. deadline and I think the editors would be shocked to see my column get in on time. Enjoy your week!

R031209_Benthal_R.jpgContact Aquebogue columnist Eileen Benthal at [email protected] or 833-1897.