“Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:4 (NRSV)

Community Outreach

Dr. Norma Lampley, Chairperson

The Community Outreach Ministry organizes both programs and initiatives that promote community wellness – providing services to those who might not otherwise have access to those services.

Contact the Community Outreach Ministry:

Email: outreach@downsoakland.org

 

Fishes and Loaves Holiday Schedule

NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2021

 It is exciting to plan for the Downs Members and Downs Community’s holiday activities.  Blessing, good wishes, and continued health for all. Our community is adhering to all Covid guidelines and is thanking Downs for staying open to serve them. Service to others is pure Joy. Thank you, faithful volunteers.  All suggestions are welcome.

November Activities

  • Wednesdays/3rd Fridays Community Market/Bagged lunches

  • Friday, November 19, 2021 *PICK UP THANKSGIVING ITEMS TO PREPARE YOUR FAMILY MEAL.

Blessings to you and your families as we approach Thanksgiving. Being with family and friends in a safe way will make this special day so enjoyable, Fishes and Loaves invites you to pick up from the Community Market at the Downs Parking lot.

Thanksgiving Groceries on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 10:00AM

Prepared Take Out Lunch on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 11:30 AM

(PLEASE RESERVE YOUR LUNCH BY WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 17,2021,

THIS SPECIAL TREAT IS COMPLIMENTS OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND)

Stay safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving with Family and Friends. Wear masks distance, wash hands, get your booster shots and educate others.

Norma Lampley on behalf of Fishes and Loaves Ministry


                      

December Activities

  • Every Wednesday

  • 12/17/21   Holiday Community  Market

  • 12/22/21   SHARE THE SPIRIT PARTY FOR COMMUNITY AND DOWNS MEMBERS

Special thanks to DCDC, volunteers, relaunch committee, trustees, Pastor Theon and all ministries  for encouragement in helping to serve community and continually helping to organize garage and stock items. 

Respectfully Submitted on behalf of DCDC, Volunteers,

Norma Lampley, Program Coordinator

Downs Outreach Ministry

“Share the Spirit Community Holiday Party 2020” was held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, and Friday 18, 2020.

Downs Memorial UMC, Bay Area News Group, The Volunteer Center of East Bay, Volunteers of Downs Community Development Corporation Fishes and Loaves sponsor this yearly event.

Low-Income families, seniors, veterans, homeless, unemployed, and children are delighted and generally, provide a Talent Show for their program. No one is turned away. Due to COVID-19, our talent show was canceled.

The traditional Gumbo meal was a carryout rather than an on sight sit down meal served by volunteers.  This year participants received prepackaged meals, hygiene kits, candy bags, a holiday gift, a gift card, and a bag of groceries for a Holiday Dinner.  The party was a success and welcomed by all the participants.  Those driving their cars, others walking and many receiving their gifts by deliveries from family members, friends, and volunteers. The smiling faces warmed our hearts.

Decorating the parking lot and playing festive Christmas music enhanced the afternoon. An elderly couple was brought to tears telling us this was the highlight of their holiday, their adult children would not visit this year for the first time and funds were limited.

Another family of grandparents caring for 5 small children said “We told the children our situation and you came through for us. Thank you.” Many stories during these few hours made our day.

Everyone wore masks, sanitized hands, and distanced 6 feet. We all left feeling that our time was well spent making Holiday 2020 a little better for 120 families.  Happy New Year Everyone, Stay Safe.  2021 is in God’s Hands. Follow all guidelines and we will get through this together.

Norma Lampley

On behalf of everyone involved In making Share the Spirit 2020, Successful.

The Fishes and Loaves, a Feeding Program of DCDC was rewarded a COVID-19 support Fund Grant from the State Fund Essential Business Support Section. These funds will help relieve some of the burdens during this difficult time. We are looking forward to opening the kitchen at the beginning of the year 2021. Food Bag Distribution is ongoing every Wednesday and 3rd Friday on Downs Parking Lot at 10:00 a.m.

All meals and services at Fishes and Loaves are Free to the public. You may call Norma Lampley, Program Director for details at (510) 654-5858 x31.