Fwd: February Ministry Update

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: REAL Life Community Services <rod@reallcs.org>
Date: Fri, Jan 30, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Subject: February Ministry Update
To: <philandkelly@gmail.com>

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Operation Warm- A Promise of Love

For the third year in a row, Subaru's "Loves to Help" campaign visited the Cocalico School District, setting up at our Lighthouse Community Center with Operation Warm to ensure kids have the shoes and coats they need to stay warm, dry, and confident. Little feet grow fast—sometimes every four to six months—and worn-out shoes or missing essentials can make everyday life harder for families. This year, Subaru went above and beyond, providing brand-new shoes and winter coats for over 50 children, helping support both their physical comfort and emotional well-being. We have enough left over to be able to continue providing these necessities throughout the year. We're so grateful for their generosity and the kindness poured into our community, and we can't wait to welcome Subaru back next year to continue creating moments like this.

Helping Our Kids Stay Safe Online

The internet is a big part of our kids' lives—and if you've ever felt unsure about how to keep them safe online, you're not alone. Many parents are asking the same questions.

At Cocalico Cares, we've seen a growing need for practical guidance and honest conversation around online safety. That's why we're hosting a FREE workshop for adults, designed to equip parents and caregivers with helpful tools, confidence, and awareness when it comes to navigating the digital world with their children.

This workshop is in partnership with ZOE International, an organization dedicated to ending child trafficking. Together, we'll focus on raising awareness while sharing practical steps you can take to help protect kids online—without fear, just informed action.

Event Details:

📍 FREE Event
📍 Tuesday, February 3rd, 7pm
📍 Cocalico High School Library & Media Center
📍 Adults only (no childcare provided)

Space may be limited, so please register soon:

Our Newest Addition!

The beginning of the year often brings fresh starts and new opportunities. Last year, we were excited to welcome Becca to our team, and this year we are thrilled to introduce Randi!

Randi Shober has joined us as our new Programs Director. With many years of experience in the social service field, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep heart for helping others. We are incredibly grateful to have Randi on our team as we continue to serve the growing number of individuals and families in need.

VITA is Back!

For a third year in a row, we will be partnering with VITA, which is an amazing program to be able to offer to those in our community! Beginning February 5th, VITA will be offering free tax assistance for those earning less than $70,000 a year, at the Lighthouse Community Center on Thursdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call our offices at 717-336-7797, or click the button below!

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Appt Schedule

Food Distribution Update!

As we reflect on 2025, we are deeply thankful for the extraordinary generosity shown by our supporters. Earlier this year, we shared how our year-end fundraising campaign raised more than $360,000, far exceeding our $300,000 goal. This incredible support demonstrated a strong commitment to our mission and set the tone for the year.

That same generosity was evident through tangible gifts of food and household items. In 2025, our warehouse received a record-breaking 71,872 pounds of donations, allowing us to distribute 68,494 pounds of food—equivalent to 41,809 meals—to individuals and families in need throughout our community. These gifts reflect compassion in action, and we are sincerely thankful to every donor, volunteer, and partner who made this impact possible.

SAVE THE DATE

Get ready for an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration! At this year's banquet, you'll hear powerful stories of hope and resilience from individuals and families whose lives have been transformed by REAL Life. Enjoy meaningful moments of reflection and the chance to connect with others who are making a difference in our community.

Bring a friend and experience the heart of our mission firsthand. Registration is open! Space is limited, so mark your calendar and plan to reserve your spot!

Click Here to Register!

Help us keep these programs and more going! Consider a generous gift today to Connect the Community to Hope!

Give Now

First Friday Food Drive

February 6th

Every first Friday of the month, we host a food drive in the back parking lot of the Declaration House. It's a way the community can give back and help donate items that we need.

You can drop off food at any time from 3-5 pm on that Friday.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays, 8-9PM

Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center.

Momentum

Tuesdays, 6:30-8PM

Momentum guarantees a young person that there is someone who cares about them. A child needs to know that they are not alone in dealing with the day-to-day challenges of life.

Momentum meets at the Lighthouse Community Center throughout the school year following the Cocalico School District calendar.

Denver Mom's In Prayer

1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 9-10:30am

Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center.

GriefShare

Wednesday's Starting March 11th, 6-7:30pm

Meeting at the Lighthouse Community Center.

This is a 13 week cycle to help navigate from a grief journey to a healing destination.

For more information, please contact 610-775-3667

Young at Heart

Wednesdays, 9-11AM

All events are free and are for individuals that are 60 years and older. Coffee, chatting, games, speakers, and MORE! Come out and get to know others in your community!

1st & 3rd Wednesdays we meet at Adamstown Area Library!

2nd & 4th Wednesdays we meet at Faith Evangelical United Lutheran Church in Denver!