To the Editor:

In May of 1985, the Benevolence Committee of Altamont Reformed Church heard about a special way to support the work of Church World Service, an international relief and development agency. Called “Share the Warmth,” it involved raising funds to purchase blankets for refugees and disaster victims. That year, our congregation raised $500 for that purpose.  

Two years later, in February 1987, we held our first “Blanket Sunday” breakfast, kicking off a month-long campaign to “Blanket the World with Love.” In recent years, the campaign has expanded its scope.

Now known as “Blankets + (Plus),” the program provides blankets, tents, and bedding for refugees and disaster victims, as well as the tools, seeds, training, and other supplies needed for long-term recovery. Access to clean water, and adequate sanitation, trauma counseling, micro-loans, school desks and supplies, and community programs that promote sustainable development are among the projects supported by the funds we raise.   

Last year, we raised $2,000, bringing our cumulative total to $29,268.  As we close in on $30,000 during our 30th year of support for this project, we have scheduled our “Blanket Sunday Breakfast” for 9 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8.

Sponsored by the church’s Benevolence Committee, the breakfast is an opportunity to enjoy food and fellowship and to learn about the life-saving work of Church World Service in places like the Philippines, Haiti, Japan, Kenya, Serbia, indigenous regions of South America, and in United States communities affected by floods, tornadoes, and wildfires.   

This year’s campaign will run from Feb. 8 through March 8.  The Benevolence Committee has set a goal of raising $1,500 through the “sale” of small red hearts for $5 each. Each Sunday after worship, people can buy hearts, dedicate them “in honor of” or “in memory” of a loved one, and attach them to a large paper heart on the sanctuary wall.

We invite the wider Altamont community to join us for the “Blanket Sunday Breakfast” at 9 a.m. this Sunday, and if you wish, remain for the 10:30 a.m. worship service.  There is no charge for the breakfast, but please call the church office at 861-8711 if you plan to attend so that adequate seating can be arranged. The church is located at 129 Lincoln Ave. and is accessible to people with handicaps via a ramp at the side door.

Kitt Jackson, chairwoman

Altamont Reformed Church

Benevolence Committee