Yet despite the global crisis, Pura Vida has continued in their mission to improve the lives of the people of Guatemala.  In 2020, some of their many accomplishments include:

• Built homes for 3 families in need
• Distributed milk to 465 families
• Delivered emergency food to 369 families
• Provided scholarships for:
  • 90 primary students
  • 224 secondary students
  • 36 university students

To learn more about Pura Vida, visit their website at www.puravida.org.

Habitat for Humanity

Have a strong desire to channel your inner Bob the Builder?  Would you like to frame walls, install sheetrock, paint doors, or swing a hammer all while helping to improve someone's life?  Then Habitat for Humanity may be right for you!

Each year, H4H completes around 5 or more homes in Loveland for deserving families.  But these are not handouts.  Recipients must be income qualified to receive a zero interest loan which is paid back over time based on their ability to pay.  In addition, they must provide "sweat equity" in the form of 250+ hours of work on Habitat's job sites.

FUMC has been involved with H4H dating back to 1987 when they participated in putting up siding on the first home built by H4H here in Loveland.  Every year since then, FUMC has joined with H4H and other churches in the area to provide labor and funds to build and/or renovate designated Faith Build homes.

If you are considering donating your time to help construct a home, rest assured that safety is the number one priority.  During this pandemic, masks have been required and crew size has been limited to prevent dissemination of the COVID virus.  H4H provides all tools and safety equipment at the job site, however you are welcome to bring your own tools if you desire.  You will be given detailed, on the job training, so prior construction experience is not required and you don't have to do anything that you don't feel comfortable doing.

Join us for FUMC Habitat Faith Builds

May 1st, June 5th, July 24th, August 28th and September 25th

Sign up here

Sign up early ... and often! Looking forward to seeing you on the job site!

And don't miss the Searchers Class on March 7th when

Chris Zwakenberg

Faith Relations & Volunteer Director

Loveland Habitat for Humanity

will be the guest speaker

Food Bank for Larimer County

Since the middle of January, the Food Bank has been distributing food five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, to families dealing with food insecurity.  This change was prompted by the growing number of people requiring food assistance.  Prior to this, there would be days at the Loveland Food Share where cars would be lined up out onto the street.

With the additional days, more volunteer opportunities have opened up.  Opportunities at the Food Share run the gamut. Whether it's pushing carts of food out to the clientele, directing traffic, inspecting bread, or bagging assorted food items (AFI), there's no shortage of work.  Also, the Food Bank has another Food Share in Fort Collins and there's always the warehouse out by the airport where volunteers sort food drive donations, bag produce, or help out in the kitchen preparing food.  Shifts at both locations usually last about two and a half hour.

Several members of our congregation already are regulars at the Food Bank.  You can sign up directly at their website as an individual. On occasion, our church has volunteered as a group.  If you have an interest in volunteering as a group either on a one time or regular basis (once a month?) reply to this email with your suggestions and availability.

Volunteer at Food Bank for Larimer County

Ash Wednesday Food Drive

As you can see from the pictures below, the FUMC congregation has stepped up again.  Thanks to everyone who brought donations of food and/or money to the Ash Wednesday drive through event.   The food and cash totaling $170 were delivered to the Community Kitchen where it will be used to feed people in need.  FUMC Family Outreach and the Missions Committee wish to thank you for your generous support.