Civic Engagement
The Gift of Giving
Blessing Bag Donation Drive
We started The Gift of Giving in 2018 because we recognized that homelessness had been a growing problem among families, and particularly families with children in the Springfield area. The “Blessing Bag” donation drive was established to provide personal items (I.e., hats, scarves, socks and gloves), hygiene products, snacks and gift cards to individuals experiencing homelessness. As an organization, we realize that life can feel lonely when there’s no one around to help boost you up when you feel down. Our mission with this project is to serve those who need our compassion the most.
Back to School & Lookin’ Cool Backpack Drive
Fruitful Endeavors Charity seeks to develop partnerships with local barber shops and beauty salons to donate free haircuts and hair styles to students' grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. Through Back to School & Lookin’ Cool, students will also receive a free back pack filled with school supplies prior to each academic school year.
Luggage of Love
Foster Care Luggage Drive
There are more than 16,000 children alone in Illinois’ foster care system. Many children do not have a suitcase or a duffel bag when they enter foster care, especially in emergency situations. They often have to bring whatever belongings they can fit into a plastic trash bag. And, unfortunately, the foster families welcoming the children have had very little time to prepare for their arrival. At FEC, our hope is to provide a personalized piece of luggage, with essentials, to children in the Illinois region as they enter foster care and as they join a loving foster family. The intent of our gesture is to not only reassure children that we value them as individuals, but also that their personal belongings deserve the same respect and care as they do, no matter where they go.
