Agape Scarf Ministry

2009 - 2010
Goal 525	Total 580

Who We Are

The Agape Scarf Ministry provides warm scarves, hats and mittens to the guests of The Long Island Shelter in Boston. It is our purpose and prayer that the people who receive these gifts, will know that God loves them. Since 2007, this ministry has provided over 1500 scarves, hats and mittens to the guests of the shelter. Crafters contribute from as far away as Michigan, Florida, New Hampshire and throughout the South Shore.

We meet the first Saturday of each month, September – February from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Harbor United Methodist Church. All crafters are welcome! If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, come to a Saturday service day. Someone will be on hand to get you started! Or make your gifts out of fleece or flannel!

Agape gifts are handmade and personal. If you’re not a “crafter,” but would like to help, there are many ways to contribute your special gifts.

What We Do

To Make a Scarf, Hat or Mittens:

Use any pattern you wish
Use gender neutral or masculine colors (80% of Long Island Shelter guests are male.)
Suggested length and width minimum for scarves: 60 inches long; 6 inches wide.
Pray for the person who will receive your gift.
Wash completed scarf (hat, mittens) and place in a sealable plastic bag.
Bring your scarf (hat, mittens) to either:

a Saturday service day or

place it in the box labeled “Agape Scarf Ministry” located in Bruce Hall at the church.

If you would like to attach a tag to your scarf with words of encouragement, please do so. You may also sign your first name to your tag if you wish.

Who We Serve

The Long Island Shelter

The Long Island Shelter is an emergency shelter operated by the Boston Public Health Commission Homeless Services Bureau located on Long Island Health Campus, Boston, MA. Long Island Shelter provides food, emergency clothing, rental lockers, health care, case management and a variety of beyond shelter services. For more information go to: http://fobh.org/.

Homelessness in Boston

· The number one reason for homelessness in the Boston area is due to the inability to make a living wage and the lack of affordable housing.

· 50% of the homeless in Boston work full-time or more.

· Almost 7,000 men, women and children who live in Boston are without homes of their own. (2007 census)

· Many shelter guests come from our own neighborhoods on the South Shore.

For more information, contact: Melinda Cerny melindacerny@gmail.com