WHAT IS THE FESTIVAL OF SHARING???
The third Saturday of October is the day that people of faith, from many different denominations all over the state, gather at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, in Sedalia. The groups and families bring money that has been raised and National/International Kits & Missouri Packs that have been assembled during the year. Volunteers help to sack rice, beans and potatoes for distribution to Missouri agencies. In the afternoon state agencies bring their trucks and trailers to receive the kits, rice, beans and potatoes to distribute to their clients. Kits, assembled for Church World Service, are loaded on a semi truck to continue their journey to other parts of the world.
The Festival generates approximately $1 million annually.
The interfaith event is an expression of mission support and involvement that has helped improve the lives of countless individuals in Missouri and around the world.
THE PURPOSE AND MISSION
The Festival of Sharing seeks to:
- Generate financial, material, and personnel resources for hunger, poverty, crisis, and injustice
- Meet and challenge injustice through advocacy and systemic change
- Promote awareness of hunger and justice issues, local and international outreach opportunities, and resource steward ship possibilities
- Encourage and enable hands-on experience with mission projects and local outreach agencies
Current Kit: CWS Hygiene Kits
1 nail clippers (remove packaging)
1 toothbrush in original package
1 hand towel
1 bath size bar of soap in package
1 washcloth
1 wide tooth comb (remove packaging)
10 standard size Band–Aids
Affordable wide–tooth combs can be found at discount suppliers such as sallybeauty.com. Search for “wide–tooth pastel comb” to see an example of combs that meet the kit requirements. All items need to fit inside a one–gallon Ziploc type bag. Remove the excess air from the bag and seal before boxing. Do not add any extra items or toothpaste. A tube of extended expiration date toothpaste will be added to each hygiene kit just prior to its journey. People who have to go to shelters because of floods, fires, tornadoes really appreciate getting these kits.
Central UCC’s kit schedule:
January – CWS Hygiene Kits
February – MO Student Dental Kits
March – CWS Hygiene Kits
April – Clean Up Buckets
May – Clean Up Buckets
June – Clean Up Buckets
July – Youth Personal Care Pack
August – Family Food Boxes
September – Family Food Boxes