Homeless Winter Donations: Sharing Warmth When It’s Needed Most

As winter settles in and temperatures begin to fall, the men and women living in camps and on the streets face dangers that most of us will never experience. What feels like a chilly inconvenience to us—a cold car ride, a gust of wind while walking inside—can be life-threatening for someone without shelter. For our neighbors experiencing homelessness, every layer of clothing matters. Every blanket matters. Every act of compassion matters.

Those our Feed the Hunger Outreach team serves in Indianapolis often have little more than the clothes on their backs. Many are underweight, making warmth even more difficult to hold onto. Pants above size 34 frequently slip off. Sweatpants—worn over existing clothing—become a vital buffer against the cold. And simple items like gloves, flashlights, or a small tent can mean the difference between a brutal night and one that is at least bearable.

Items Needed

To help our homeless neighbors endure the harsh winter months, we are seeking donations of:

  • Hoodie sweatshirts: Large–XXL
  • Sweatpants: Medium–XL
  • Blankets
  • Stocking hats
  • Men’s jeans: Size 34 or smaller
  • Women’s jeans: Size 6 or smaller
  • Belts
  • Gloves
  • Flashlights
  • Lighters
  • Small tents

These items are not simply clothing—they are warmth, safety, dignity, and hope.

Your Compassion Can Change Someone’s Winter

If you’ve ever shivered on a cold morning, imagine facing that cold all day—and all night—with nowhere warm to go. Imagine bundling a thin sweatshirt tighter because it’s all you have. Imagine trying to sleep through freezing temperatures with nothing but a blanket that barely covers you.

For the people we serve, these donations are lifelines.

This winter, we ask you to give generously. Look through your closets. Pick up an extra item or two on your next shopping trip. Share this need with someone who might help. Each donation goes directly into the hands of someone who desperately needs it.

Your support allows our outreach team to carry God’s grace from Plainfield to the “least of these” in Indianapolis, offering warmth, comfort, and the assurance that they are not forgotten.
Thank you for your continued compassion and generosity.

Thank you, and God bless.

Open Your Pantry, Open Your Heart: PUMC’s Spring Food Drive Is Underway

At Plainfield United Methodist Church, our mission is to love God, love people, and serve the world. One powerful way we live out that calling is by caring for our neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity. This spring, we invite you to be part of our Quarterly Food Drive, beginning Sunday, May 4.

Each item donated helps stock the shelves of local food pantries, supporting families across Hendricks County and surrounding areas. Your generosity puts meals on tables and hope in hearts.

How to Take Part

  • Pick Up a Bag: Starting May 4, grocery bags will be available in the main lobby. Take one home and fill it during the week.
  • Return Donations: Bring your filled bag back the following Sunday, or drop it off anytime during the week at the Donation Depot.
  • Give Financially: Monetary gifts are always welcome and will be used to purchase the most-needed food items. Please mark gifts as “Food Drive” in the memo line or select that designation when giving online.

Most-Needed Items

  • Canned vegetables, fruits, soups, and meats
  • Boxed meals, rice, and pasta
  • Peanut butter, cereal, granola bars
  • Baby food and infant formula
  • Shelf-stable milk and juice

Why It Matters

Food insecurity continues to impact families throughout Indiana. In 2022, more than 950,000 Hoosiers, including 1 in 5 children, faced hunger. Even in our own community, many individuals rely on food pantries to get through the week. Your donations help fill the gap and offer relief to those who may not qualify for other forms of assistance.

Be the Church in Action

Jesus calls us to feed the hungry—and we can answer that call together. Whether by filling a bag, writing a check, or saying a prayer, your participation helps share God’s love in a tangible way.

Let’s open our pantries and our hearts to bless others this spring. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ in our community.

Together, we can feed hope.

Join Us for the May Mission Trip to Henderson Settlement

We are excited to announce our upcoming mission trip to Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky, scheduled for May 18–23. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve and make a meaningful impact in the Appalachian community.

About Henderson Settlement

Established in 1925 by Hiram M. Frakes, Henderson Settlement has been dedicated to improving lives through Christ-centered service. The settlement offers various community outreach programs, including childcare, youth ministries, a food pantry, senior support, a library, and more. Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives, contributing to home repairs, educational programs, and other essential services.

Volunteer Opportunities

During our mission trip, there will be diverse opportunities to serve:
Quilting and Sewing: Volunteers can assist in creating quilts and other handcrafted items to be sold in the Gift Shop, helping to offset operating expenses of the settlement.
Construction Projects: Depending on the number of volunteers and the community’s needs, we will undertake construction or repair projects to improve local homes and facilities.
No matter your skill set, there is a place for you to contribute meaningfully.

Accommodations and Costs

Henderson Settlement provides comfortable accommodations for volunteers. The cost per person for lodging and meals is $275 per week for dormitory-style housing or $350 per week for private housing. However, most – if not all – of this cost to volunteers is offset from previous donations. These fees cover lodging and meals during your stay.

Join Us

We invite you to be part of this fulfilling experience. Whether you’re skilled in construction, enjoy sewing, or simply have a heart to serve, your participation will make a difference.

For more information or to sign up for the mission trip, please contact Don Sanders at:

  • Email: dsandjs@att.net
  • Cell Phone: 317-340-5188

We look forward to serving together and sharing God’s love with the community of Henderson Settlement.