Day of Service Sign Up 2025

Our mission is to allow as many people as possible to participate in community service. We welcome everyone to join us on January 18th to work on projects together, and to drop off donations, at the First Congregational Church of Reading.

Our annual Day of Service brings together the entire Reading community, people of all ages and backgrounds, and includes a variety of projects, activities, and off-site work with partnering organizations.

Our mission is to allow as many people as possible to participate in community service. We welcome everyone to join us on January 18th to work on projects together, and to drop off donations, at the First Congregational Church of Reading.

Scroll through this list and select any activities in which you are interested. You'll hear from a volunteer who will give you more information about the project.

Questions? Email ReadingCares01867@gmail.com
 
 
On Site January 18th at the Gathering
Please select all that apply.

Knit or crochet warm hats for adults and children (no preemies this year). Patterns are available. Yarn will be provided (or bring your own) and some knitting needles will be available for use on January 18th. Please bring any hats you have completed at home to the gathering on January 18th. Completed hats may also be dropped off at the First Congregational Church, Monday-Thursday, 10am-1pm until the end of January.

Please select all that apply.
Use a no-sew pattern to create cozy blankets to be distributed through Project Linus. Patterns and instructions are available. Some fleece material will be available for use on January 18th.
Please select all that apply.
Sew simple dresses for girls around the world. Instructions, material, and sewing machines will be available on January 18th. If you like to hand sew, some dresses will also need buttons, trim, etc. Kits with instructions and basic material are available now to sew at home. Contact Joann at jo2.take@gmail.com. Completed dresses can be dropped off at First Congregational Church, Monday-Thursday 10am-1pm until the end of January.
Please select all that apply.
Decorate bookmarks with an inspirational theme. Bookmarks will be distributed through the Reading Public Library.
Please select all that apply.
This opportunity has been filled. 
Please select all that apply.
Decorate cards which will be used by the Pantry to thank their generous donors. All materials will be provided.
Collections
Please select all that apply.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) would specifically appreciate donations of toiletries for foster children. 


Bring your donation to the gathering on January 18th or to the First Congregational Church during office hours - Monday - Thursday 10:00-1:00 through January.

Items Requested
Shampoo and conditioner for babies, kids, and young adults
Shampoo and conditioner for curly hair
Body wash for kids and young adults
Infant and toddler toothbrushes and toothpaste
Loofahs
Lotion- infants, kids, young adults
Deodorant
Hairbrushes, picks, combs
Silk sleeping caps
Diaper cream


Please select all that apply.
The Reading Food Pantry has experienced empty shelves in recent months. Help them stay on track to keep our neighbors healthy and food secure.

Bring your donation to the gathering on January 18th, or to the Pantry on Wednesdays between 4:30 and 6:00pm, or to a local donation bin.

Items Requested
Canned pasta - Spaghetti and Meatballs, Beefaroni, Ravioli
Canned fruit - Pineapple and Mandarin Oranges
Laundry Detergent
Tissues
Granola Bars
Baked Beans
Tea and Instant Coffee
Off Site Projects
Please select all that apply.
This opportunity has been filled. 
Please select all that apply.
This opportunity has been filled. 

Description

Our mission is to allow as many people as possible to participate in community service. We welcome everyone to join us on January 18th to work on projects together, and to drop off donations, at the First Congregational Church of Reading.