INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS

 Nicaragua Missions

For six years, Western Hills has partnered with First UMC Big Spring to reach out to the wonderful people of Nicaragua. We have been Christ’s hands and feet in a desperately poor country whose needs are greater than anything we could envision in the US.

This fully-functioning middle and high school educates young people from around the world, mainly focusing on children from Juárez, Mexico. Over 90% of the students graduate and go on to higher educational opportunities. Western Hills supports this school financially to fund scholarships.
Donation: Money for scholarships
Commitment: N/A
Contact: Rev. Amy Mercer, 584-2133, amy@westernhillep.org
Special Skills/Needs: N/A
Minimum Age: N/A
 

Food Pantry
On the first Sunday of each month, food donations are collected and distributed to various agencies throughout El Paso. You may place your items in the blue bins in the Narthex; please clearly mark your donations for the Food Pantry. Non-perishable food may be dropped off on any day of the week.
Donation: Non-perishable food items
Commitment: Any day of the week
Contact: Virginia Beck,

Special Skills/Needs: N/A
Minimum Age: N/A

Blanket Sunday
As cold weather approaches, we collect gently-used or new blankets throughout the month of October. The blankets are distributed to various agencies in El Paso, and fire departments in the area. This is a simple mission that has a strong impact on the community.
Donation: New or gently-used blankets
Commitment: Month of October
Contact: Missions Team
Special Skills/Needs: None
Minimum Age: N/A

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical organization which collaborates with local businesses, churches, and individuals to construct energy-efficient, affordable homes for low-income families in need. Families who receive assistance from Habitat for Humanity must meet the following qualifications: they must be first-time home buyers, demonstrate the need for adequate shelter, demonstrate the ability to pay a mortgage, and must be able to invest “sweat equity” hours in the construction of their home. There are many opportunities to volunteer for help, including office assistance, serving on committees, financial or material donations, or helping with construction. Western Hills plans to organize and deploy volunteer construction crews to support this organization.
Donation: Money, time, effort, and/or expertise
Commitment: Half-day per quarter, or as often as desired
Contact Habitat for Humanity El Paso, Inc. (915) 755-6633 or www.habitat.org
Special Skills/Needs: None
Minimum Age: 16

Angel Tree
In December, an Angel Tree is set up in the Narthex for children being served by Centro Santa Catalina in our sister city of Juarez. The Angel Tree has ornament/tags with information of an individual child, and their Christmas gift wishes. Congregants are asked to take a tag from the tree and purchase their gift wishes and place the wrapped gifts under the tree. The gifts will then be distributed to the children. Volunteers are needed to help decorate the tree collect gifts.
Donation: Wrapped gifts for children.
Commitment: Month of December
Special Skills/Needs: N/A
Minimum Age: N/A
Contact: Becky Martin   584-5239

Opportunity Center Meals
On the 1st Saturday and 3rd Sunday of each month, members prepare meals and/or serve the dinner at the Opportunity Center. Members are needed to prepare a portion of a weekend meal (menu and recipe provided), help deliver the meals and serve the food. Members can assist regularly, or on a one-time basis. This is a great hands-on way for the family to help the less fortunate!
Donation: Requested food and/or time to serve a dinner to the homeless monthly
Commitment: Select your month: 1st Saturday and/or 3rd Sunday of each month. This does not have to be a regular commitment.
Contact: 1st Saturday: Jackie Gaines, 3rd Sunday: Suzy Snow suzy@westernhillsep.org
Special Skills/Needs: Minimal cooking skills or ability to serve
Minimum age: 12

Opportunity Center Sandwiches
Each Friday, volunteers make two loaves of bread into sandwiches for the homeless at the Opportunity Center. Each volunteer delivers their sandwiches to the church office by 11:00 a.m.
Donation: Sandwiches made weekly
Commitment: One Friday a month, your choice
Contact: Carol Pancoast, 584-7810
Special Skills/Needs: Ability to make sandwiches
Minimum age: N/A

Blood Drive
Four times a year on Sunday, the United Blood Service comes to Western Hills. The van arrives during worship services and stays until noon. You may sign up for your choice of time in the Narthex.
Donation: Blood Donation
Commitment: Four times a year
Contact: Nancy Haegele, 833-3114, nhaegele@elp.rr.com
Special Skills/Needs: N/A
Minimum Age: 18

Western Hills also supports the following on an  as-needed basis:

Advocacy Center for the Children of El Paso
The Advocacy Center is a safe environment for abused children. They are interviewed by needed agencies, to include law enforcement to determine their needs. Financial aid, healthy snacks and supplies are appreciated. You may place your items in the blue bins in the Narthex—clearly mark your donation for the Advocacy Center.