“Comfort, O comfort my people,” says your God. (Isaiah 40:1 NRSV)
45 minutes.
That's how fast St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover, Pennsylvania, assembled over 820 Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief. Combs. Soap. Clippers. Toothbrushes. All wrapped in towels secured with twine.
It looked like a sprint.
But the day was part of a marathon, 13 years in the making.
Humble beginnings
The leaders of the church’s Women of the ELCA, Lower Susquehanna Synodical Women’s Organization, initiated the kit-making project in 2011. They assembled 65 kits that first year.
They increased the amount every year, but they wanted to do more good for their neighbors in the worst possible conditions.
And they had an idea.
“What would happen if we invited the rest of the congregation to join?” Joan Scott, the church historian and former WELCA president, recalled.
They took the leap in 2022 and included the Faith Connections group, which engages youth and families.
Kit makers of all ages gathered to put together Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief. They surpassed their goal of 800 in less than 45 minutes and then kept going!
Many hands make light work
By sharing the work, they doubled the number of kits.
They discovered kit-making appeals to all ages and is a great way to get everyone in the congregation involved.
Start from the littlest to the little at heart.” — Melissa Smith, the Family & Children Ministry Director
The Troup family welcomed the opportunity to help their neighbors around the world.
“We wanted to be a part of something bigger,” Jen Troup said.
Her son, Ryder, 10, feels more connected to his global community through the kits.
“People need help. We help them, especially the people who don’t ask for help,” he said. “We can help everybody get through life.”
Erin Karnas, 14, worked alongside several of her friends to help assemble kits. “It’s a good place to help others,” she said.
Their vision becomes reality
The Rev. Kathryn Vitalis Hoffman, known as Pastor Kathy, credits WELCA with the vision and organization that make it all possible.
For 13 years, they honed the process. They carefully collected items, funds and helpers to keep growing. They kept working because they know their neighbors are counting on them.
“The need is greater than ever," Pastor Kathy said.
And they’re ready to keep it going for the long run.
Completed LWR Personal Care Kits were stacked on a table after the 'packing party’ at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover, Pennsylvania.
Thank you!
LWR Quilts & Kits reach neighbors all around the world when they need them most.
Recently, they reached Ukrainians who were evacuated to escape a brutal attack. The elderly residents were rushed to safety and comforted by Personal Care Kits and LWR Quilts.
They reached seafarers who were stranded on their ships in the Port of Baltimore after the Key Bridge collapsed.
And in Türkiye, Baby Care Kits and LWR Quilts reached families who lost everything in a devasting earthquake.
Learn how you can get involved at lwr.org/kits. Start small and grow over time, just like St. Matthew Lutheran Church!