Thanks to the generosity of Sully First Reformed members, 52 snack packs and 28 school supply bags were assembled and distributed to AGAPE families with young children. Volunteers who helped with the assembly and distribution of the snack packs and bags are, from left, Susan Beyer, Rose, Hannah, Nick and Grant De Penning, Sandy DeJong, Lorie Van Soelen, Shelly Rozendaal, and Sharla Van Wyk. Sandy DeJong serves as the church’s AGAPE ambassador.
Generous hearts and a mission to build a better tomorrow have served as the foundation of a relationship between Sully First Reformed Church (FRC) and AGAPE, an organization serving women and families in the Des Moines area by offering hope, practical support, education, and care. AGAPE’s goal is to not just meet immediate needs but to walk alongside families to build a stronger and healthier future. Since 2023, Sully FRC has seen the value of that mission and has not only given financially to the organization, but has intentionally focused on serving families in tangible ways.
Recently, Sully FRC volunteers helped set children up for success in the new school year by organizing a Snack Pack and School Supply event. According to Rebekah Oleson, director of marketing and communications at AGAPE, the idea grew out of a desire to address food insecurity. When approached with the idea, Sandy DeJong, who serves as the AGAPE ambassador for Sully FRC, could not jump on board fast enough.
The Snack Pack and School Supply event soon became a mission the whole congregation got behind. Members and attendees of Sully FRC collected items over a six-week period that resulted in 52 snack packs with age-appropriate snacks for infants and toddlers. For school-age children, 28 bags were packed with school supplies and a blessing card from the church which included an encouraging message and Bible verse.
“It was a wonderful opportunity for the church to come together and support AGAPE families in a very tangible way!” said Oleson.
The snack packs and school supplies have been placed in the hands of AGAPE families who are expecting or have young children and have been connected with the organization through its pregnancy, parenting, and life skills programs. “Because these families are walking alongside AGAPE, we have the opportunity to meet practical needs while also building relationships and offering hope and support along the way,” explained Oleson.
Sully FRC has more events on the horizon with AGAPE. This winter, Sully FRC plans to host its annual Christmas baby shower drive which will collect much-needed items for AGAPE families. In addition to DeJong serving as the church’s ambassador, AGAPE also has a connection through Sully FRC’s Emily Van Wyk who has worked at AGAPE since 2022 and holds the title of director of community engagement. Van Wyk’s role with the organization is to plan family-friendly events and coordinate with church partners to make such events possible. “Emily loves helping connect churches with AGAPE in ways that meet the needs of our families while giving them a glimpse of what a supportive church family can look like!” said Oleson. “With FRC, Sandy and Emily work together to find ways their church can use their gifts and resources to serve AGAPE families.”
Anyone interested in supporting AGAPE’s ongoing events and mission throughout the year is encouraged to visit www.agapedsm.com/get-involved-des-moines-iowa/ and learn more.
