FBF’s Easter Basket Outreach
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
January through Easter
For the last 15 years, FBF has been building Easter baskets for families, children, teens, adults, and seniors who have fallen on hard times. Through God moving many hearts and hands to help, thousands of baskets are created in a three to four month span of time during the winter season–all volunteer driven and through the kindness of souls who want to share their blessings.
We collect all sorts of things, both new and gently-used. Expect to find more information in the coming weeks as we move towards this outreach.
In keeping with FBF’s goal to inspire and build faith, it is fundamental to understand that we do not collect for this endeavor year round. Rather, we trust God to bring what is needed WHEN we actually have need for it; this means we will not take items in advance or outside of our collection time frame. Please note that the estimated time of the collection is after the first of the new year through a few weeks before Easter.
Do check back as we move forward towards 2021 as things will likely be vastly different in approach to this outreach.
Whether you are new, or a regular, please start praying now for the year ahead…
FBF’s Prayers Plus
Everyone helped his neighbor, and said to his brother, “Be of good courage!”
Isaiah 41:6
In-person (pre-Covid) & now virtual monthly gatherings
Prayers Plus started in our hearts and minds long before it had a meeting place. As we handed out Easter baskets locally for well over a decade, we asked each soul if they had any prayer requests that we could hold for them until we saw them again. Each year, as we visited, it became abundantly clear that though appreciative of the baskets, souls were visibly moved by the fact that people were praying for and thinking of them.
A few years ago, when by necessity, we launched an interactive local outreach with souls in need, the name that seemed most fitting was “Prayers Plus”. Prayers being the most valuable thing we could offer, and the Plus being about what we could tangibly share to ease burdens. Interestingly enough, some of the most cherished gifts given in those gatherings have been time and encouragement.
Over the time spent together, we have come to know moms, dads, children, young adults, seniors, and those living alone. Though our time “physically” meeting has ceased for the moment, we are creating virtual spaces to meet with the families and individuals who we have been blessed to come to know.
We usually have a small monthly collection of specific items (often theme centered like: home, personal care, kitchen, holiday, etc) that we happily pass along to souls with whatever being left over going on to other organizations and impoverished schools in other communities. For the interim of Covid, we will be doing things differently. All collections will run through FBF’s Sign Up Genius databases, which will offer specific ways to share blessings and help others in need. There will be no general collection of items until it is safe–by our measure–to do so.
Ways to participate with Prayers Plus
collections
Sharing new and gently used blessings.
We do not collect things year round, so check out our newsletter, this calendar and FBF’s databases to see what we are currently praying for.
We cannot store ahead, but we do know that many kind hearts love to hang on to items until one of our collections begin. It is with such souls in mind that we provide this basic timeline to give guidance on when we take things. More details will emerge on this website as we move towards the events.
- January, Warm the Home.
- February, Inspiring Hearts; craft items.
- March/April, Easter baskets.
- April/May, Purse-a-Palooza.
- June-August, Summer Food Help
- September, Kitchenware & Personal Care.
- October, Warm the Winter Clothing.
- November, Holiday decor.
- December, North Pole Gift Workshop.
Volunteering
Giving your time to encourage others.
For dignity purposes of those in our local community, we do require training before we allow volunteers to participate in this outreach. Please contact us for more information about volunteer opportunities.
Prayers Plus Collections usually occur for a very short collection period of one week or less. Covid-19, and safety precautions, has halted these until further notice.
Helping at Home
Baking, making and creating.
With the temporary changes of Prayers Plus structure, we are offering many ways to engage helping another from home. While tight guidelines will need to be followed, we will be sharing monthly inspiration with Prayers Plus families and seniors. Check out more on how to be a part of that through FBF’s Helping at Home efforts. The database will also provide more information on any collections FBF will be hosting during Covid-19.
A whole lot of opportunities at Christmas!
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Holiday Overview
To reach the many souls we hope to encourage over the holidays, coupled with the wide variety of outreaches that we run, our holiday activities commence in late October and early November. Over the years, with the expansion to other communities throughout metro-Detroit and the Flint area, we joyfully have to plan and prepare long before people want to think of Christmas.
Please know that Covid-19 has changed how we will be approaching 2020’s holiday season. Watch for more details as we move towards autumn. Here’s a sampling of what a “typical” Christmas season involves:
- Thankful Giving Boxes
- Christmas Basket Collection
- Just 4 One (December weekly inspiration program)
- Gently-used Toy Collection
- Sweet Treat Collection
- Stocking Them Up Ministry
- Santa Paws Treats
- North Pole Workshop Outreach
- Knitting Kindness
The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.
Coretta Scott King
Who helps with all of this?
Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.
Helen Keller
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
James 2:18
We are so fortunate that God has moved an incredible number of kind hearts and eager hands to do His will. We have met souls from all walks of life. From individuals to families to all sorts of groups and community organizations, each seeking to make this world a better place. We cannot express fully the awe we feel in being a part of what God is doing, as He interconnects His movement in this world through willing hearts and hands.
commonly asked questions
Are kids allowed to serve?
Yes, but there are concrete rules and guidelines that must be followed by the adults in managing their help.
Can youth, school-based, and faith organizations come in groups?
We have all sorts of groups, teams and organizations come to participate. Our sessions do have size limits, and we have guidelines that must be adhered to.
Covid-19 update
With the current CDC, NIH and State of Michigan guidelines, we will not be holding our traditional assemblies. Please check out FBF’s virtual events for ways to be a part of what we hope to do in the days ahead.