UUC Partners with Eckstein Community Cupboard: Want To Help?

Beginning in September, UUC volunteers are collaborating with Eckstein Middle School to provide an added day of household supply distribution to Eckstein families who can use additional material support. This collaboration is a product of discernment with Faith Land Initiative about how to use UUC space to serve our community, as well as the Social Justice Steering Committee’s Revival Potluck last fall.

More than a dozen Eckstein families from nearby subsidized housing rely on food and household supply distribution, led by Eckstein’s on-site social worker, to enable their children to succeed in school. With additional support from UUC, some of the social workers allotted funds can be freed up to assist families with critical rent and utility assistance and other support.

A small team of volunteers got together earlier in the summer to help John Berta build a closet in Channing to store the supplies. John gave a masterclass in how to use basic carpentry tools, and our volunteers had a great time getting the room ready! (See photos below.)

UUC volunteers intend to provide an additional twelve pick-up dates for families and to increase the volume of supplies available to families throughout the 2026-27 school year and during summer months.

We’ll be coordinating at the end of each month with Eckstein staff to create a list of needed supplies (specific items and quantities). We’ll solicit and gather donations one Sunday per month, sort and organize donations and distribute items to Eckstein families on the third Saturday each month at UUC.

If you are interested in volunteering to assist in this effort, please contact: