The Unitarian Universalist Society
of Fairhaven, Massachusetts

 
Ongoing Projects

Equal Exchange Coffee- Coffee purchased 100% from small farmer cooperatives according to Fair Trade Standards is served during Coffee Hour every Sunday. It is also made available to the congregation in packets on Sunday Mornings.

Market Ministries Soup Kitchen - Our congregation takes a turn once a month preparing and serving lunch at the Pilgrim United Church in New Bedford. See the Calendar of Events for specific date/time information!

Shepherd's Pantry Food Bank - canned goods and non-perishable food donations are collected and delivered to the Shepherds Pantry continually throughout the year. The Shepherds Pantry provides food for families in the Greater New Bedford Area who are struggling to put food on their table. Our congregation provides volunteers to pack food bags and hand them out to the needy every month. See the Calendar of Events for date/time information!

Annual Projects

Holiday Hope Project - Gifts are purchased, wrapped and delivered to Child & Family Service in New Bedford for needy families with children. Thanks to Kris Leotti who coordinated the project and to the congregation for their generosity, Christmas was a little merrier for these families.

Holiday Hope Gifts
 

Guest at Your table - Collection boxes were distributed during the Thanksgiving Service. Donations are sent to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee in February to support their ongoing Social Justice Work.

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Offering - Donations are collected and divided between Market Ministries and The Shepherd's Pantry.

Alternative Gift Fair - The Women’s Alliance sponsores an “Alternative Gift Fair” in the Parish House. Tired of all the “stuff” at the holidays? Are you looking to simplify and find meaning during the holidays? Looking for that perfect gift for Uncle Dan who has everything? Looking to honor your child’s teacher? Are you interested in giving a present for the world?

Then come to the Alternative Gift Fair!

Give the Gift of Hope! - Shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase unusual life-changing gifts that support people and the environment, both locally and throughout the world. Gifts such as a Yak for a youth in Tibet, a holiday meal for people in the greater New Bedford area, Counseling for a victim of domestic violence, a new water well for people in Sudan – these and other gifts can be purchased in honor of a friend or relative. These “gifts of hope” may be purchased for giving in the coming year – for birthdays and other special occasions as well as holiday giving.

Past Projects

Hurricane Relief - Donations were collected and a check sent to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Heifer Project International - The Church School children collected 15000 pennies to help families hurt by the tsunami. They provided a flock of chickens and a goat to needy families in Southern Asia.

Tsunami Relief - Donations were received during January 2005 and a check was sent to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee who work with their partners in Southeastern Asia to help restore the livelihoods of fishing villages.