New Hope Toy Makers -- This group works to provide age appropriate wooden toys to not-for-profit agencies and families in Southwest Florida. This Team meets each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. -- 11:30 a.m. The Team began in 2004. That year more than 350 toys were given through local social service agencies.  One of our airplanes and a helicopter are pictured below. Usually more than 500 wooden toys are developed, produced and delivered as part of our community involvement. Projects for Christmas 2012 are currently in production. The anticipated delivery date for this year's toys is late November.

New Hope Stitchers -- This Team meets once a month on Saturdays. The Team makes dolls, bedding for doll cradles, teddy bears and such. If you sew, knit, crochet, or just cut and stuff, we need you.   See the weekly news bulletin (also on this site) for the current schedule and contact information. The Stitchers report, "Many new bears and dolls are almost ready to encourage children in 2012."

S.H.O.E.S. Team - Sharing Help On Every Step -- Shoes are provided to any child in need. The project occurs at the start of each school year, but is available throughout the year when funding permits. During the first year of the program in 2003  New Hope distributed gift cards for 103 children; then,148 pairs of new shoes went out in 2004. During 2005 nearly 200 of the $20 gift cards were provided; and from 2006 through 2007 we continued reaching out to the community with approximately 200+ children assisted each year. Though 2008 and 2009 proved a substantial financial challenge we were able to continue this community project and we increased the value of each card to $25. The 2010 and 2011 projects were also successful with more than 200 children each year receiving a gift card to Payless ShoeSource. The cumulative value of the cards provided through this endeavor now exceeds $30,000. Thank you to the many generous contributors.

S.H.O.E.S. is a local project dominantly working with families in South Sarasota County, Florida. We support children and families  identified by Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Sun Coast and Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County. Since 2005 the Kiwanis Club of Venice has shared in partnership with us to achieve the goals of this project and they have already given a 2011 leadership gift of $500. We are thankful for their support. Additionally, since 2009 the Gulf Coast Medical Group & Dr. Rainer's medical office have joined with us in this project. The Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts--Jon Sousa Fund have also supported this community outreach. Any monies given for this project are restricted to this endeavor alone.

Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County -- As a congregation we support the local work of www.habitatsouthsarasota.org by serving on its Board, Committees and professional Staff. Andrew Simkins serves as a member of the Board of Directors.