Karen's Be Our Safety Net and Santa!

That's me next to Santa at UCHM's annual Community Christmas Party.  I'm the cookie baker and help the kids decorate their cookies! I got involved with UCHM through my church, Crescent Hill Baptist about 15 years ago.  I became a member of UCHM's Emergency Assistance Committee and I help organize the Back-to-School Drive and the Christmas Connection Program.  I'm starting my third year volunteering weekly in the United Market, UCHM's food pantry...which I got Tom to help remodel. I'm part of the Wednesday Ladies and my daughters know I cannot help with my grands on Wednesdays. I am also currently Vice President of UCHM Board of Directors.

The pantry is my passion!  What I love about the United Market and what sets it apart from other pantries in the city is that it is a "choice" pantry.  The families use a small grocery cart and choose the items they want. In many pantries across our city, families are handed a box of food.  Here, they select from fresh produce, sweets, breads, canned goods, meat, and hygiene and household items.  These items help supplement what they put on their tables and are donated by people like you! We receive many items from Dare-to-Care, the community and area businesses but the government cutbacks have really hurt!

The pantry is one of the services provided by UCHM.  They also provide rent and utilities assistance so families can stay in their homes with the lights on and water running.  The Seniors program is very active and creates connection for people who, too often, can find themselves isolated and alone.  Volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels.  UCHM serves over 3500 people a year and does this with only 2 full-time employees, one part-time Senior center manager and one part-time housecleaning person...PLUS a plethora of volunteers!!!! UCHM is truly a community affair!

For over 50 years UCHM has been the safety net for the 40206 neighborhood in Louisville.  Now they, as am I, are asking you to be our safety net and our Santa.  The $30,000 raised in this campaign, means UCHM will be able to meet the needs of nearly everyone who comes through their doors.  Last year, UCHM had to turn away about 500 people when funds ran out.  That hurts! Please consider donating to UCHM.  Any amount will help. We already have a donor ready to match the first $10,000 donated. Thank you for reading this and thank you for any donation!