From assembling laundry kits for people experiencing homelessness to providing Christmas gifts for children and camp scholarships for those facing difficult circumstances, Savior Divine Lutheran Church in Palos Hills has made community service an important part of its mission.
Located at 10040 S. 88th Ave. in Palos Hills, the congregation supports individuals and families in need through hands-on service projects throughout the year, said Rev. Dr. Marty Pauschke.
One of the church’s annual initiatives is its participation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s God’s Work. Our Hands. Service Sunday, which encourages congregations to serve their communities through volunteer work.
“It’s an opportunity for our congregation to put our faith into action and serve people in our community,” Pauschke said.
As part of the annual effort, church volunteers assembled 152 laundry kits for BEDS Plus, a nonprofit organization that provides homeless services in South and West Cook County.
Each kit contains two dryer sheets, two laundry detergent pods and quarters to help cover the cost of doing laundry. Pauschke and the congregation’s president led the project, coordinating supplies and fundraising to make the effort possible.
The project received $532 in donations to purchase quarters, Pauschke said. Seventeen volunteers stayed after church Sept. 13 to assemble the kits, combining the quarters, dryer sheets and detergent pods. Pauschke later delivered all 152 kits to BEDS Plus.
“The success of the project depended on the generosity of our members and the willingness of volunteers to give their time,” Pauschke said.
The congregation also received support from a Thrivent Action Team grant. Thrivent provided T-shirts bearing the message “Live Generously,” funding for laundry supplies and a lunch of pizza, soft drinks and cookies for the volunteers.
Pauschke said the gathering offered more than an opportunity to prepare supplies for those in need. Volunteers enjoyed visiting with one another as they worked, strengthening the sense of fellowship that accompanies the church’s service efforts.
The laundry kit project is just one part of the congregation’s broader commitment to helping others.
Each year, Savior Divine Lutheran Church raises money for the CROP Hunger Walk, held in early October around Lake Katherine in Palos Heights. The event supports efforts to address hunger and food insecurity.
The church also reaches out to children whose families face financial challenges during the Christmas season. In one holiday outreach effort, 31 children from food-insecure families receiving assistance from Elsie’s Pantry received wrapped Christmas presents and a visit from Santa Claus.
According to Pauschke, parents were asked in advance what gifts their children would enjoy, allowing volunteers to select presents suited to each child.
The congregation also supports children from troubled home environments by providing scholarships to Royal Family KIDS Camp. Contributions from church members fund a week at camp for 10 children, giving them an opportunity to experience a caring, supportive environment.
Through these initiatives, Pauschke said, the congregation continues to find ways to put its faith into practice by responding to the needs of its neighbors.