Red Bird Mission

In December of 2022, four volunteers from Upper New York drove two 26-foot trucks to the mission in Kentucky. They transported over 2,800 shoeboxes, over 100 new sheet sets and bedspreads, as well as numerous books, school supplies, and cleaning supplies.  The need is even greater this year.

Our goal for 2023 is to transport at least 3,500 shoeboxes and other supplies to the Red Bird Mission the last week of November.

There are two different styles of shoeboxes-adult and children. Click here for lists of items needed in the adult and children's shoe boxes. Christian bookmarks, wristbands, and other spiritual items are also appreciated.

The Red Bird Mission would like the items placed in clear plastic shoebox-sized storage containers with locking lids. If you are unable to purchase plastic boxes, the same-size cardboard boxes will work.  Please do not wrap the shoeboxes or cardboard boxes.   

A suggested donation is $1.50 per shoebox. Please do not put money inside the shoe boxes. Place the money in an envelope and attach it to the shoe box or place all money in one envelope kept outside a box.

Also, it is helpful to the mission if you clearly label each shoebox, so they know who the intended recipient is for the items. Click here for labels that you can use.  

The mission also needs new pillows, new sheet sets, and new blankets for full and twin-size beds, as well as new bath towels. Used sheets, blankets, and towels cannot be sent.

Books, school supplies, new backpacks, and cleaning supplies are needed, as well.

Monetary donations can be made payable to the Endwell United Methodist Church to help cover the cost of the truck rental, fuel, lodging, and meals for the volunteers who will deliver the shoeboxes and other donations to the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky the last week of November. All funds will be deposited into a dedicated account for this mission.

Calvary United Methodist Church will serve as a collection site for the Albany area. This year, collections are being coordinated by Cecelia Broomhead.  She may be contacted at 518-577-0985; or by email at ccb1018@nycap.rr.com.   If you would like to participate, boxes may be delivered to the Upper entrance of  Calvary United Methodist Church, 15 Ridge Place, Latham, NY  on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  Please have all moneys outside the boxers and all boxes clearly labeled.  A final collection day will be on Sunday, November 5 from 11: 30 - 2.  No deliveries will be accepted on Tuesdays or Thursdays.