The Lehigh Conference of Churches is holding its annual “Sponsor A Wish List: Christmas Hero Program.”

The “Christmas Hero Program” gives individuals, businesses, churches and community groups the opportunity to make the holiday season a little brighter for local families in need.

“Sponsors are matched with a family or families and receive their children’s wish lists to help provide new gifts they will truly enjoy for Christmas. Your generosity can help make the holidays special for a family in our community,” stated a press release from the Lehigh Conference of Churches.

The deadline for the wish list request is Nov. 23. Gifts must be dropped off by Dec. 18.

Step 1: Express Your Interest. Contact the Conference of your interest in sponsoring a family (a family consists of one or more children).

Step 2: Receive the Wish List. The Conference will gather a family’s wish list and send it to you along with instructions for purchasing and preparing the gifts.

Step 3: Purchase the Gifts. Once you receive the wish list, purchase the requested gifts, which must be new.

Step 4: Schedule Your Donation Drop-Off. Once you have collected the gifts, schedule a donation drop-off date and time by contacting Amarelis Rodriguez at: Arodriguez@lehighchurches.org or 610-433-6421, ext. 6241

Step 5: Drop Off Your Donation. On your scheduled drop-off date, pull into the back parking lot located along Fifth Street and call Amarelis Rodriguez at 610-433-6421, ext. 6241. A person will retrieve the donated items.

Homelessness

Awareness Week

The Lehigh Conference of Churches 5th annual “Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week” is Nov. 16-22.

Nov. 16: “Virtual Event: Exploring Affordable Housing Models.” Hear how “Faith & Home” collaborators have spent the past two years working with Lehigh Valley congregations to support discernment, build consensus and imagine shared futures for their properties and communities.

Nov. 17: “Hands of Hope: Street Outreach Day.” Selected community members will accompany the Conference Street Outreach Team as they visit local campsites to distribute meals, supplies and provide support to those in need. Registration deadline: Nov. 10. Contact Street Outreach team member Marina Patterson at: mpatterson@lehighchurches.org

Nov. 18: “VCLV Nonprofit Impact Conference.” The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley’s Nonprofit Impact Conference is 7:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Nov. 18. Conference Executive Director Abigail Goldfarb is a guest speaker.

Nov. 19: “Community Art Showcase,” Allentown Art Museum. From 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Nov. 19, Daybreak Drop-In Center art exhibition reception with light refreshments, community partner-vendor tables, performer and donation of nonperishable food items upon arrival.

Nov. 20: “Dine & Donate with Jay’s Local.” Stop at Jay’s Local, Allentown, from 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Nov. 20 and purchase food, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Conference. Throughout November, Jay’s Local hosts a nonperishable food donation bin to support the Street Outreach team.

Nov. 21: “5th annual: One night without a home.” The event begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 and concludes at 7 a.m. Nov. 22.

To register for events:

https://lehighchurches.org/hhaweek/

The “5th Annual Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week” has a goal of raising $5,000, with proceeds benefiting the Street Outreach Team.

Information: Christopher Moran, Conference Director of Development, at cmoran@lehighchurches.org

According to its website: “The Lehigh Conference of Churches is a faith-based, nonprofit agency connecting basic human needs to the most vulnerable people in the Lehigh Valley: food, housing, dignity, a sense of belonging and hope for the future.”

The Conference Kitchen serves three meals a day, five days a week.

The Drop-in Center is an accepting place for anyone in need of support, advocacy and self-empowerment.

The Lehigh Conference of Churches is at Dubbs Memorial Community Center, 457 W. Allen St., Allentown.

Information: 610-433-6421, info@lehighchurches.org