eVoice - December 16, 2014

Food Pantry Network Assists Record Number of Individuals
The DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted more individuals in November, 2014, than any other month in its 39-year history. 14,300 individuals comprising over 5,000 families received food from the Food Pantry Network.

November also saw 264 families use a food pantry who have never had to use one previously in their lifetime. This brings the total number of families who have had to do so in 2014 up to a staggering 3,263. These are families that used to make ends meet, but are now struggling.

"During the month of November we experienced record levels of need distributing 180,000 food items to over 5000 families," said DMARC Food Pantry Network Director Rebecca Whitlow.  "Meeting that kind of need takes an incredible amount of generosity within our community of both donations of food and cash, and volunteer hours."

 

Helping DMARC put an end to hunger in Polk County is as simple as volunteering your time, donating food at a Red Barrel location, or making a monetary donation. DMARC can purchase food 2-6 times cheaper than a consumer can. Donate online at dmreligious.org/donate, or mail a donation to the Des Moines Area Religious Council, PO Box 12278, Des Moines, IA 50312.

Downtown Chamber Visits and Volunteers
DMARC and the Des Moines Downtown Chamber hosted a Lunch, Learn, and Volunteer event on Tuesday, December 9, 2014. Guests were served lunch by Lambert & Ewers while they listened to DMARC Food Pantry Network Director Rebecca Whitlow talk about DMARC's programs and services. This was the first Lunch, Learn, and Volunteer put on by the Downtown Chamber.

"We discovered that the combination of learning and hands-on volunteering made the event more meaningful for the attendees, and that they hold a deeper understanding of DMARC and its purpose," said Chittenden. "In fact, some attendees have gone back to volunteer again, or have made plans to volunteer with friends and family. We look forward to featuring more nonprofit Downtown Chamber members this next year via Lunch, Learn, and Volunteer events."  (Continue reading at dmreligious.org)

Would you like your congregation, organization or other group to tour DMARC and learn about our services and operations? Contact Communications Manager Luke Elzinga at [email protected] or 515-277-6969.
US Mayors' Report on Hunger and Homelessness

According to a report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Task Force on Hunger and Homelessness, the demand for food assistance in Des Moines increased by 20 percent in the past year. The 20 percent jump in Des Moines was the second-highest, behind a 56 percent increase in Washington, D.C. (Read more from the Des Moines Register)

 

(Read the full report)

World Food Prize Holiday Open House
The World Food Prize is hosting a Holiday Open House at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come and hear holiday music and experience the spectacular acoustics in this historic building, and explore our world through photos. There is no admission charge.

There will be a live performance of seasonal Christmas music by the Grace Church Ensemble, as well as the opportunity to tour the 40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World international photography exhibit by Howard G. Buffett. These two elements will bring us together around an important theme at this time of year, to unite us all in the spirit of alleviating hunger that is still experienced by so many in the world.
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Des Moines Area Religious Council

1435 Mulberry Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

 

515-277-6969

Community Calendar

DMARC does not require participation in religious services as a condition to receive assistance, and does not engage in religious proselytizing or counseling. DMARC practices non-discrimination in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations. All services and programs are provided to consumers without discrimination in regard to family size or structure, religious or cultural beliefs, race, gender, age,
or disability.

Community Announcements
Disclaimer: The Des Moines Area Religious Council makes every effort to provide accurate and useful general information in its eVoice, but accepts no liability for the use of the material by individuals or organizations. We gladly distribute information from member or partner individuals, congregations, and other agencies, but our inclusion of such material should not be construed as being sponsored or endorsed by DMARC. Undated general announcements and employment opportunities are included for one week unless requested to be included for a longer period of time.
Free Cord Organ
Free cord organ. Contact Judy Kramer, 515-282-1088.
Spread the Peace Light from Bethlehem
December 16-23
Iowa Religious Media Services

"From the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem to Des Moines, Iowa, the Peace Light is continually burning, waiting for you to light your wind proof candle, lantern or oil lamp and take the flame to your church, home, or organization.

The Boy and Girl Scouts of Austria get the light at the beginning of December. It goes on an Austrian Airlines jet to JFK, from where it is disributed by Boy Scouts to the entire country, Canada and Mexico.

IRMS is hosting this light for the 4th year, from Dec. 16 through Dec. 23. Come. Add this wonderful tradition to your Advent season. Reservations are not required but if you want to assure a time slot, call 515-277-2920. For questions about safe vessels for the flame, contact [email protected]."
Holy Innocents Prayer Service for Peace
Sunday, December 28, 3:00 p.m.
Immanuel UMC, 2900 49th St., Des Moines

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This year's Holy Innocents Prayer Service for Peace will emphasize compassionate caring for children around the world, including at our own southern border.  We will raise our prayers to stop violence against innocent children caused by wars and conflict around the world. The service is organized by Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee for Peace."
Who Are We?

The Des Moines Area Religious Council is an interfaith organization with a core membership of over 130 congregations from four faith traditions. Recipient of the 2012 LIVE UNITED Advocate Award from the United Way of Central Iowa, DMARC provides a common means of responding to basic human needs and a context for interfaith dialogue.

 

The DMARC Food Pantry Network consists of 12 separate pantry sites, a centralized warehouse, and numerous community partners. It is the largest food pantry network in Iowa. Pantry sites are located in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, and eight sites in Des Moines. In 2013, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted more than 34,000 individuals in the greater Des Moines community; half of whom are children and youth.

 

MovetheFood is a DMARC-led initiative to address the entire food system in Greater Des Moines, building on nearly 40 years of the Food Pantry Network, catalyzing fresh generations, and engaging new constituencies to further support a vision for a day when everyone in Polk County has enough to eat.
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Disclaimer: The Des Moines Area Religious Council makes every effort to provide accurate and useful general information in its eVoice, but accepts no liability for the use of the material by individuals or organizations. We gladly distribute information from member or partner individuals, congregations, and other agencies, but our inclusion of such material should not be construed as being sponsored or endorsed by DMARC. Undated general announcements and employment opportunities are included for one week unless requested to be included for a longer period of time.