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Continuing a Ministry of Love…
Since 1991, the people of Hyde Park Community UMC have gathered in the church parking lot the Sunday before Thanksgiving to share God’s grace through the gift of food. For 33 incredible years, this ministry has been a testament to our dedication to serving our neighbors by distributing an astounding total 13,736 food boxes for Thanksgiving!
We are deeply grateful to all who contributed over the years—whether by volunteering, donating, or helping with logistics and setup.
A New Chapter: The Love Thy Neighbor Project
For decades, our Thanksgiving Baskets Ministry has brought joy and nourishment to many. As churches across Cincinnati have adopted similar programs, and as food insecurity continues year-round, we have prayerfully discerned a new way to expand this ministry of love.
Beginning in 2025, we will transition from a Thanksgiving focus to an Easter celebration, becoming Resurrection People in a new way. This shift allows us to embody the Good News of Jesus by providing Easter (food) Baskets for families in need. Aligning our ministry with this Christian holy day creates a unique opportunity to share the hope and joy of Christ’s resurrection in a meaningful, impactful way.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 13, 2025, when we will gather on Palm Sunday to pack food boxes for 585 families!
We are excited to see how God will use this new chapter to touch the lives of our neighbors and deepen our call to serve. Thank you for your continued support and faithfulness as we follow where God is leading us.
Volunteer
On Sunday, April 13th you are invited to come to the parking lot of the church after the 9:30a service and join over 100 other people to go along the assembly line of packing boxes! There is no need to sign up, just show up that day!
If you would like to take on a specific role during the event (setting up the assembly line, capturing moments as a photographer, or helping with delivery and recycling) you can sign up for a role that suits your interests. Simply click the button below to choose your preferred task – roles take place before, during, and after the packing. We can’t wait to have you on board!
FAQs
There are many ways you can get involved and serve! Most people gather outside in the parking lot after the 9:30am service to walk through the assembly line and help pack a box or two. (Don’t worry about finding the location – it’ll be hard to miss!)
For those who prefer a more specific role, we have a variety of options listed in the link above! Roles like photographer, delivery driver, assembly line setup, and more are available, and you can choose to serve before, during, or after the event. However you choose to contribute, we truly appreciate your support!
If you would like more information about how you can serve with the Love Thy Neighbor Project this year and in future years, please contact Rev. Kate Smith.
Each box of food costs approximately $50, and with our goal of serving 585 families, we anticipate our total cost to be $29,250. To make this vision a reality, we are inviting you to partner with us. Throughout March and April, we will be collecting donations to help cover the cost of food and supplies.
Your gift, no matter the size, can have a profound impact. Whether you can sponsor a full box, part of a box, or multiple boxes, every donation brings us closer to ensuring these families have a joyful Easter celebration.
We also encourage you to volunteer on Sunday, April 13 to help pack the food boxes. By giving your time, you’ll witness firsthand how your contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Together, we can turn generosity into action and hope into reality.
Please consider donating today and joining us in this powerful mission of love.
You can donate by giving cash on a check (memo LTNP) to the church directly or you can donate online by clicking here.
As we transition to the Love Thy Neighbor Project, all of our previous partners will continue to receive food boxes.
We are proud to collaborate with local schools (Rothenberg Preparatory Academy, Riverside Academy, Riverview East Academy, Spencer Center), churches and community organizations (New Vision UMC, Calvary UMC, West Union Methodist, Mercy Community, Adams County-West Union Food Pantry, Saturday Hoops, Learning Grove, Talbert House, Lightshine), as well as longstanding community partners (Madisonville Education & Assistance Center, State Ave. UMC, Wesley Education Center) who all receive food boxes through this initiative.
On Friday, March 14th, from 9am to 10am, we will have someone available at the church to take calls from individuals who would like to receive any remaining food boxes. Please let others who are interested in receiving a box know to either call during this time or contact Rev. Kate Smith. before March 15th.
For those who cherish the tradition of serving during Thanksgiving, we invite you to join us for Meals on Wheels’ Bust a Crust event on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Since 2021, our church has participated in this impactful fundraiser, which provides holistic care (including meals) for seniors in our community. After hosting the event for the past two years, we are excited to host once again in 2025. This fun and meaningful day brings multiple generations together to pack thousands of bakery-made pies for those who purchase them. It’s a wonderful way to continue our Thanksgiving spirit of service in a new and joyful way as we support 10,000 seniors in our community who receive holistic care from Meals on Wheels!
Mission & Outreach
and OTR Campus Team
If you are interested in participating in our community outreach efforts, please contact Rev. Kate Smith, our Pastor of Mission & Outreach or Christina Cotrone, Mission & Outreach Coordinator.