Community Assistance

Breakfast in the Park - Park Outreach Ministry

This ministry serves a hot breakfast to the homeless and less fortunate. It is held on the second Saturday of every other month. Dates for 2009 are: January 10th, March 4th, May 9th, July 11th, September 12, and November 14th. The location is Red Hill Park in Rancho Cucamonga, Shelters D & E. Volunteers need to arrive by 6:30am and we are usually finished by 9:30am.

AREAS IN WHICH TO SERVE (ON SITE)

REGISTRATION: Check in guests and have them fill out the registration card we provide. REQUIREMENTS are a friendly, outgoing personality.

FOOD TABLE: Guests receive a ticket that they turn in here for a limited number of food items. The person at this table needs to collect tickets and make sure people are not hoarding, since we usually have a very limited number of items. This person also needs to keep the table organized and looking neat. REQUIREMENTS are a friendly, outgoing personality and the ability to be patient and understanding as well as tactful about the need to limit items.

TOILETRY TABLE: As with the food table, guests receive a ticket to turn in here for a limited number of items. The person at this table will collect tickets and keep the table neat and organized. And as with the food table, they will need to monitor guests to prevent hoarding.
REQUIREMENTS are a friendly, outgoing personality and the ability to be patient and under-standing as well as tactful about the need to limit items.

CLOTHING TABLE: Set up clothing on tables - separated in groups of men's, women's and children's. Make sure tables are kept neat and organized. Provide bags for guests as needed. Assist guest in finding items if asked. We have no limit on clothing. Guests may have as many items as they wish. At end of event, help to repack clothing that is left. REQUIREMENTS are neatness and good organizational skills are helpful, as well as a friendly and helpful personality.

KITCHEN: Prepare (cook) items for breakfast (usually eggs, sausage and bacon). Serve prepared food to guests, hand out sack lunches (limited number provided). REQUIREMENTS are enjoyment of kitchen work. [You will need to assist in cleaning up before and after the event.] As well as neat and clean habits. ** This area of service requires that you have a current and VALID FOOD HANDLER'S CARD. Please speak to the ministry leader for details on how to obtain one.

EVANGELISM: The park outreach primarily employs what I call "passive evangelism". The people we serve are homeless, have health issues, or are wondering how to pay the bills. They may be behind in rent and/or utilities. The homeless may not know when their next meal will be. We listen most of all and make it clear that we care. When an opening to share Christ is shown, we take it. This is an area where we need help the most! In a way, it is easy. Take your breakfast plate to one of the guests eating at the table. Say "Hello" and prepare to listen. The hard part is listening to what they say. It may be tragic, shocking or both. REQUIREMENTS are a heart for the physical and spiritual needs of others as well as the ability to be a good listener. You DO NOT need the gift of preaching or teaching to serve effectively as an evangelist in this ministry. A big heart and an open ear are the most important requirements. **If you wish, the ministry leader will be happy to meet with you to discuss this are in more detail.

AREAS IN WHICH TO SERVE (BEHIND THE SCENES)

COMMUNITY DONATIONS DIRECTOR: This ministry is supported by the Trash-to-Treasure recycling ministry. But, as the ministry grows we are relying more and more on donations. We need someone with business connections in the community and/or experience in soliciting business donations. Donations may take the form o f cash or items needed for the event.

GENERAL DONATIONS: While we would love to see everyone at the park because of the blessing you will both give and receive, we realize that for various reasons, this is not always possible. You may still support the ministry through the donation of the following items:

• food items - a list of non-perishable items is available at FBC's Community Center every Sunday and there is a container there as well to place donated items in. Contact the ministry leader to donate perishable items. We need eggs, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, lunch meat, and sliced cheese.
• toiletry items - a list of items is available at FBC's Community Center and there is a container there as well to place donated items in.
• raffle prizes - we do a drawing at the park outreach and give away several prizes at each event. Items needs: Bus passes: $15.00 7-day passes are available at Circle K. McDonald's or Del Taco gift cards; Target or Wal-Mart gift cards; or new toys for our children's drawing. If you have other ideas or sources for prizes, please contact the ministry leader.
• clothing - used items without tears or stains. Men's clothing is especially needed.
• cash - is always welcome. Please place a check or cash in an envelope clearly marked for "Park Ministry". in the offering plate on Sunday mornings or drop it by the church office during the week.