There are a number of ways to get involved in the Ministry either by organizing others to donate and get involved or by giving time or financial resources yourself. In addition to making a financial contribution, you might also consider these wonderful opportunities listed below:

• Organizing a Martha Dinner for a Saturday, preparing food for about 50 people to begin serving at 12 pm at the Uptown Ministry.  There is also generally an entertainment segment with the event ending around 2 pm.  Reserve early, dates fill up quick! For details contact Michelle Simmons.
• Solicit volunteers to participate in the ‘Church World Services’ Annual Cropwalk in October Either to walk in the crop walk or to sponsor Ministry youth who will be walking in the event.
• The Greater Chicago Food Depository also opens their doors to volunteers who would like to work at the Depository located in South Chicago in exchange for a reduction in our monthly food bill. For details click here.
• DRIVES! DRIVES! DRIVES!
  Organize a Summer Food Drive to help during our low supply time. Contact Charles Hawkins. School Supply Drive every year between June and August to gather supplies for our food pantry families to make sure their children have backpacks, writing utensils, folders, paper, and more. Contact  Gloria Ortega. Donate winter clothing, hats, carves, mittens, and heavy coats for our Winter Clothing Drive. Contact  Gloria Ortega. Toy Store Drive help families give gifts to newborns to age 18 by donating new gifts for the Toy Store. Parents can 'shop' for a gift by giving a small requested donation. Contact Michelle Simmons.
• In Honor - A meaningful, living gift to a friend, relative, or colleague through a donation honoring anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, weddings, holidays, or any special occasion. Include your designation with your gift.
• In Memory – A personal remembrance that honors the life of a friend, relative, or colleague with a gift of love and hope. Include your designation with your gift.
• If you are a donor, organize a House Party and invite the Ministry’s Development Director, staff, and/or an Uptown community member to come and speak about the Ministry.
• If you are a donor, Donate to your church or directly to the Ministry!
• Organize a group to leverage funds toward the 2006 Effort to Revamp the Building’s deteriorating floors, walls, and cabinetry ($30,000 remaining).
• Budget Line Item - Consider making Chicago Uptown Ministry a line item in your organization’s annual budget.
• Volunteer or Solicit Volunteers to work for at the Ministry tutoring with the after school program, the ESL women’s class, during drop in hours, grant writing, newsletter editing, or organizing the food pantry.
• Donate Professional Services such as medical services, legal, photography, photography, website maintenance, and more.
• Join the Wish List and sponsor a family during the Christmas holiday by contacting Gloria Ortega .

*Unless otherwise indicated, interested parties can contact Shawna Tuttle for further details on any of these opportunities.