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Monday, January 27, 2020

Friends of Camp Unity - January Update: Join the Board, Winter Weather Needs and Other Updates


Camp Unity Eastside is now [as of January 27, 2020] located at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 17856 NE Woodinville Duvall Rd.  

THANK YOU to the 24+ volunteers who helped move the camp, brought meals during the move, Bear Creek United Methodist Church for hosting camp since mid-September and St. Teresa Church for hosting again starting this month.    What a difference you make in the lives of so many people.

Join the Camp Unity Board:   Camp Unity has a volunteer board that supports camp operations, oversees camp management, and meets once a month.  The Board is seeking one or more additional members as well as a volunteer to lead Camp Unity’s collaboration with prospective new hosts and recent hosts.   If you or someone you know might be interested in volunteering as a board member or leading Camp Unity’s host outreach, please contact Mark Van Wormer.   

Karen Tidball, who served on the Board for more than 5 years and led the site committee, stepped down in January due to family reasons.  Thanks to Karen’s dedication and collaboration with our generous hosts, Camp Unity had a full year of host commitments at the start of 2019 for the first time.   We’re forever grateful to Karen for the love, wisdom and compassion she brought to everything she did for Camp Unity and its residents.

Winter Weather Needs:   The past few weeks of wet, cold weather and limited light have been challenging.   We’re grateful for any help you can provide to Camp Unity with any of the following winter weather needs:
  • Wool Blankets (similar to military issue)
  • Head lamps
  • Rain paints – for men, sizes XXL, XL and L and for women, sizes XXL, XL and L
  • Containers of durable water repellant  (such as spray on type)
  • Sample carpets that can be placed on the floor of individual tents:  the tent floor size is 7.6’ by 8.6’ so either a piece similar to that in size or a few pieces that can be laid out
This is a great opportunity for a service project with others at work,  church or other faith community, or club.   If you can help, please bring donations to the camp at St.  Teresa Church. Shout out to Woodinville Church of Christ for seeking donations at their church for socks, rain jackets and hand warmers! 

Meals:   We’re so thrilled that volunteers have brought meals every day in January after the camp’s move and almost every day prior to the move.   Thank you!!   Looking ahead, there are several openings in February and March.  If you can help, please sign up on the camp's meal calendar  OR   https://campunityeastside.com/meals-2/  

Not enough time to cook?   Consider picking up and heating prepared food – such as 4 large Costco chicken pot pies are enough to feed the camp.   There are 21 people staying at Camp Unity and during the past month, one additional resident has moved to housing.  

Supply Needs:  Camp Unity greatly appreciates all who have brought supplies to the camp.   Currently, the highest priority supply needs are paper towel rolls, coffee (ground), AA and AAA batteries.  Please bring donations to the camp at St.  Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church. For more info and the latest updates, check out Camp Unity’s needs list.   OR   https://campunityeastside.com/camp-essential-needs/  

December Reflections:  We’re deeply grateful to the individuals and churches, including Northshore United Church of Christ, Wooden Cross Lutheran Church and Woven Church, that made a year end gift to Camp Unity Eastside.  Your generosity enables Camp Unity to continue to provide shelter for people in need.

We’re also very thankful to the churches and others who helped to make the Christmas holiday special for residents at Camp Unity through gifts and supplies via giving trees and other initiatives.  A big thank you to Bear Creek United Methodist Church, Lighthouse Four Square Church, St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, Woven Church, Flex Physical Therapy Bothell and any other supporters we may not be aware of!

Your care and generosity are huge blessings for the men and women staying at Camp Unity.