Coralville United Methodist Church – part of the Coralville/Iowa City/North Liberty community

Jesus didn’t distinguish between loving God and loving our neighbor – they are one and the same. At Coralville United Methodist Church we encourage all church members to be active in our church and in our community, because these too are one and the same. Our members are involved in many ways both through the church and through other local organizations. Here are some of the community activities in which we participate as a church:

Operation Backpack

Operation Backpack is a HACAP-sponsored program that provides local elementary school children with nutritious, kid-friendly foods to help with hunger over the weekends. According to the USDA, 11% of households in the United States regularly do not have sufficient food to thrive.  Studies also show that children perform better in school when they eat three balanced meals a day.  Free and reduced lunches at school help children during the week, but there is a need for food on the weekends.

Coralville UMC supplies backpacks of food for students in need at Kirkwood Elementary School, delivered on Friday morning each week during the school year. Volunteers are needed to help package the food. The total time commitment is approximately 1 hour. All are welcome to participate! Contact Brenda Albright at iaalbright@aol.com.

West High Food Pantry

Recognizing a need for food and supplies for students at West High School, Coralville UMC established a pantry at the school. The congregation collects food and school supplies, and at Christmas time we collect grocery gift cards to give to the students for their families. Coralville UMC members/friends who are teaching aides at the school transport, stock, package and distribute the food and supplies. 

Winter Clothing Distribution, Consultation of Religious Communities

Coralville UMC is an active participant in the area Winter Clothing Distribution. Each year, more than 350 people come through a designated church in our community to receive winter clothes. This is truly a community event! Volunteers and donations come from Coralville UMC, Community of Christ, First United Methodist, First Presbyterian, St. Andrew, Tiffin Grace UMC, Unitarian Universalist Society, Full Circle Faith Community, and the Iowa City School District. The Coralville Recreation Center donates some of their locker room baskets for shoppers to use. Many of our guests get involved too, helping set up the breakfast items, handing out numbers, and cleaning up in the waiting area. Watch this space for opportunities to participate in Fall 2020.