Community Outreach
At Portage UCC, we feel called to make a positive difference in our community and the world. We do that in various ways through our community outreach, by providing opportunities to help the community in our local area as well as the greater Kalamazoo County organizations that serve those in need.
Supporting Neighborhood Youth & Schools – This unique initiative to PUCC seeks to specifically support three schools in Portage who have the highest percentage of students in need.
– Reading Buddies – volunteers from PUCC work with students at the nearby elementary school in need of reading assistance
– School supplies and personal items – working with the area schools, we provide supplies that are needed, including engaging the congregation to help organize the supplies!
– Teacher Appreciation – thanking the teachers in the area for all their efforts with students with small gifts, treats and notes of gratitude
– Cub Scout Pack 289 – sponsored by PUCC for schools in the nearby area and open to all youth from kindergarten through 5th grade. Girls and boys can join at any time of the year. At PUCC, we enjoy the pancake breakfast they provide our congregation, supporting their popcorn drive fundraiser, and cheering on the annual Pinewood Derby competition we host!
First Day Shoe Fund – Working with the Kalamazoo organization, we sponsor students at an elementary school to provide a new pair of shoes and volunteer time to sort and fit the shoes as well.
Crop Walk – (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) – By walking or sponsoring the walkers, we raise funds to feed the hungry. We partner with Church World Services to give life-saving support like emergency food along with the seeds, tools, & programs to help families feed themselves in the future. One-third of the funds raised are donated to three organizations in Kalamazoo, and two-thirds of the funds are sent to those in need around the world.
Loaves & Fishes Weekend Food Packs – Donations from our congregation help to support this program sponsored by Loaves & Fishes to provide students in need in Kalamazoo County with weekend packs with enough food to cover breakfast and lunch during the weekend when other food options may be scarce.
Mission Trips – Youth and adults in our congregation have participated in mission trips both domestically and abroad to help those in need with construction and service work.
Portage Community Center – We support this agency by collecting items, donated by our congregation, for those in need in our community, as well participating with their “Adopt a Family” initiative at Christmas, providing families with gifts and food donated by our congregation for the holiday.
Ministry with Community – We collect individual size toiletries, donated by our congregation, for clients served by Ministry with Community. We also participate in their annual “Underwear Drive” and warm clothing collection for winter.
Meals on Wheels – members of our congregation drive and deliver meals to those who are homebound.
Kalamazoo Pride – sponsor a booth at the annual Kalamazoo Pride Festival in Kalamazoo in support of our LGBTQIA community.