Outreach & Response
“With open minds and compassionate hearts, we seek to be God’s loving hands in the world.” This is our mission as a church, and we try to live it out by reaching beyond our church’s walls to serve those in need. Below are just some of the ways in which we are seeking to live this out and we welcome all to join us as we try to be God’s hands and feet in the world!
Outreach & Response
Foodshare Mobile Unit
Every other Thursday at 10am we welcome the Foodshare Mobile Unit to our church parking lot, where those in need are offered produce and other food with no questions asked. Please feel free to join us on any of our assigned weeks!
Tolland Food Pantry
Every week we collect food items to be donated to the food pantry here in Tolland, serving our neighbors in need.
South Park Inn
Members of the church serve a meal to those in need at this Hartford shelter the 1st Friday of the month. Desserts are made in advance so there are multiple ways to serve this ministry.
For more information on how to help, click here to contact Gary Lotreck
Cornerstone Soup
Kitchen
Each month, on the 3rd Saturday, we serve a meal to those in need at this Vernon soup kitchen.
Click here for more information about the Cornerstone Foundation
Tolland Care & Share
At Thanksgiving and Christmas our Church School collects food donations for baskets given out to those in need in Tolland.
Free Forever School
We were a major contributor in the creation of the Free Forever School in India which helps to house and educate girls and keep them safe from sex trafficking. We continue to support the school and a student there named Loki.
Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts USA
We are proud to offer space in our church building, and support during our annual Scout Sunday worship service, to numerous are Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.
Tolland Green Learning Center
We created and continue to support this nursery school and before/after school program for the youth in our community.
Tolland Public Library Events
Events and activities for all ages take place at the Tolland Public Library as well!
Local Family Outreach
As called upon, we offer assistance to members of the church and members of the community who find themselves in hard times. If you or someone you know needs a helping hand, well wishes, or even a visitor, please reach out to Kelly Sorrow at ksorrow@ucctolland.org to make arrangements.
Fun & Free Family Event hosted by KIDSAFE and The Village!
Click flyer to learn more and register!
Save Your Can Tabs!
Start your collection today! Little things like pop tabs can make a big difference! Store them in a decorative jar above your sink or keep them in a plastic zipper bag. Bring your tabs to the United Congregational Church of Tolland where the tabs will be collected and donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. This drive directly supports programs, services, and initiatives currently helping families and their children in need of life-saving medical care. It’s a tiny thing to do, but it has a great impact.
UCCT Prom Stop & Prop
Prom Boutique Drive for Cornerstone
Although prom is only once a year, we will serve as a year-round drop point for any of the following items: long gowns, shirts, ties (solid color), suits, tuxes, jewelry, heels or evening shoes, small purses or handbags, shawls, hair accessories, black dress shoes, and black suits. We have clothing racks prepared for the gently used formalwear which will then be donated to the Cornerstone Foundation’s Prom Boutique which serves local high school students in need for this special event.
Plants, crafters, artists, tag sales, and more!
If you enjoy tag sales, consider going out on Saturday, April 25th which is the Town of Vernon's Town wide Tag Sale Day! Hunt for treasures (old and new), rare plants and cuttings, art, jewelry, and MUCH more! It is a day to remember and fun to be had! Enjoy!
Don't forget to check out the UCCT Facebook page as well as all of the Tolland community Facebook groups to stay informed for more local events, too!
And so much more......
Join us to see how you can lend a hand reaching out to service our community and the world!
Please contact Kelly Sorrow with any questions, comments, ideas & concerns.