HELPING OUR PEOPLE in ELSINORE (H.O.P.E.) RECEIVES $20,170 FROM SHEPHERD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH

LAKE ELSINORE (June 3, 2013) – In February, Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church (SOLLC), Lake Elsinore, CA, received a $5,000 “Lutheran Community Economic Outreach Bridge Grant” from the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation. The funding was awarded to SOLLC partnering with Helping Our People in Elsinore (H.O.P.E.) based on the organization’s effectiveness in addressing basic needs of the local community such as food and clothing.

SOLLC elected to participate in a complementary two-to-one challenge grant program sponsored by the Foundation. For every dollar raised by SOLLC from donors by Mar. 31, 2013, the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation provided an additional 50 cents—up to $5,000—in support of H.O.P.E.’s food & backpack ministry.  SOLLC raised $10,170 during this period through their fundraising efforts which included a Shrove dinner, Easter breakfast, offerings and a direct mailing to local businesses & individuals.  

On Sunday, SOLLC’s council president, Kris Anderson presented Ron Hewison, H.O.P.E.’s CEO, with a check for $20,170 to be used to expand H.O.P.E.’s backpack ministry.  Filled with food, backpacks are given to selected children to take home on the weekends to provide meals for their family.  Currently, H.O.P.E. is providing this program in 6 schools.    

“Not only is this the biggest sized check we have ever received but it is the largest dollar amount we have received from a church group,” said Ron Hewison.  “We are extremely thankful for all of the hard work that SOLLC has done to raise these funds for our backpack ministry.”  

“SOLLC has partnered with H.O.P.E. for over 20 years, with SOLLC’s former Pastor Don Butenshon as H.O.P.E.’s first CEO,” said Kristine Hanson, SOLLC member who wrote the original grant.  “We have donated food & time in the past and now had the opportunity to raise funds for their needs.  As a teacher, I have had first hand knowledge relating to the backpack ministry and the effect it has on our school age children.  It is an awesome program.”  

About Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church Founded in 1987, Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church is an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregation located at 30400 Grand Avenue, Lake Elsinore CA 92530.  Weekly worship services are Sunday mornings at 9:30 am with Bible Study following.  Other activities include weekly quilting, women’s social ministries, confirmation class, vacation bible school and Sunday School (which resumes in the fall).  All are welcome.