MLUC’s Offering Outreach program selects charitable organizations to receive half of the money from the Sunday collection plate. By supporting organizations that address social justice and humanitarian needs at the local, state, national, and international levels, we demonstrate our values as Unitarian Universalists.

HOW ORGANIZATIONS ARE SELECTED

Do you volunteer for a charitable organization? Is there an organization that has helped you in the past? Have you recently stumbled upon a new and noteworthy nonprofit? We welcome any and all MLUC members to submit nominations!
The Offering Outreach Committee will review the forms and select nominations based on the following criteria:

  • The organization’s mission must be consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles.
  • It must be registered as a 501(c)(3) corporation.
  • The organization must demonstrate good stewardship of its finances.
  • The size and budget of organizations are important, because we would like our donation to be meaningful and make a difference. We feel that we can have the greatest impact by supporting smaller organizations; however, a specific program within a larger organization can be considered.
  • We welcome international nominations, as long as they have a Unitarian Universalist connection.
  • To avoid a possible conflict of interest, we ask that church members refrain from nominating an organization where they are currently employed as a paid staff member.
  • Sometimes the committee can also make a decision based on immediate needs, such as relief from natural disasters.

Qualified nominations are coordinated with sermons, related educational programming, or active service opportunities whenever possible. In order to support a wide variety of organizations, themes or categories of nominations are usually rotated from month to month. Examples of such themes are children and families, hunger, disabilities, prison, violence prevention, immigration, physical and mental health, and LGBTQ issues. Nominees not immediately selected will remain on file for future consideration.

CURRENT RECIPIENT: Mitzvah Circle

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Mitzvah Circle, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is rated 100 by Charity Navigator. This organization is located in Lansdale, and provides support for people and families in need by providing care packages containing clothing, shoes, diapers, period supplies, books, household goods, toiletries and more to families in need. These recipients include those facing homelessness, fleeing violence or living below the poverty line. Mitzvah Circle also provides ongoing assistance, referrals, coaching and support. They collaborate with 255 community partners that serve vulnerable populations in hospitals, shelters and schools. In 2025, they assisted 500,974 people.

This organization was nominated by Eileen Andrews. The representative of the organization is Fran Held (copied here), the Founder and Executive Director, who has agreed to be available on Sunday, March 1, to present a short description of the organization’s work. The organization aligns with UU principles/values: Interdependence, generosity and transformation.