SEAM (South East Associated Ministries)

 

 

By far the largest program at SEAM is the assistance for basic human needs. Food is provided to those families in need. SEAM receives the food to contribute through donations from "Dare To Care" and from SEAM member congregations. Saint Andrew UCC, Louisville has baskets ready for donations of food at both the door at the back of the Sanctuary and at the table in the Gathering Area. Volunteers take the food weekly to SEAM. The loss of so many jobs and the downturn in the economy since 2008 have caused an increase in families qualifying for food. There is a real need for more food on a continuing basis. (See the list of needs by the SEAM table.)  SEAM also provides, for those eligible, additional assistance for rent, medicine and utilities. 

 

SEAM provides clothing through a partnership with Goodwill Industries. SEAM member
congregations take items to the local Goodwill and tell the clerk that the donation is for SEAM. 

SEAM receives a monetary credit for the items and this credit is provided to those in need in the form of vouchers that can be taken to Goodwill and used as money.

 

One of the ways Saint Andrew UCC, Louisville involves many members in assisting SEAM is the Kroger Gift Card program. Individuals purchase the cards from SEAM and as they use the cards to buy items at Kroger, 4% of each purchase is credited to SEAM by Kroger. The gift cards may be replenished at any Kroger cash register and reused on and on. For more information on this program and to purchase cards, contact the Church Office at (502) 452-1777, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

 

SEAM provides drivers for two Meals-on-Wheels routes.

 

Each year Saint Andrew UCC, Louisville helps SEAM with the Thanksgiving Baskets SEAM provides for the needy in our community. Normally a church member watches grocery sales and purchases the items needed to fill the baskets with non perishable foods. Gift cards and coupons are included for perishable foods. The cost for these baskets is covered by individual donations.

 

Saint Andrew UCC, Louisville also utilizes the SEAM Blood Donor list to schedule donor appointments when our church provides a location for the Red Cross Bloodmobile. Contact our Parish Nurse Donna Wenzel (office number above) to volunteer to assist with the appointment making process and helping at the Bloodmobile.

 

Saint Andrew UCC, Louisivlle, along with other SEAM congregations, provides space for various fund-raising events. 

 

How can you help?

• Purchase items for SEAM as you do your weekly food shopping. Bring this food each Sunday morning and place it in one of the SEAM baskets.

 Food Room Needs (ongoing): 

• Canned Fruit
• Soup
• Mac & Cheese
• Pork & Beans
• Pasta
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Rice
• Cereal
• Tuna
• Peanut Butter
• Juice
• Canned Meat
• Crackers
• Potatoes

• You can donate clothes or household items to Goodwill and mention that they are for SEAM. Goodwill will still give you a receipt that can be used to support a tax deduction on your income tax. They will also give SEAM the monetary credit. If it is inconvenient for you to take the clothing to Goodwill, drop it off at the church in one of the baskets designated for clothing.
• Make a monetary donation to help defray the cost of the Thanksgiving baskets.
• Purchase a Kroger Gift card from a SEAM representative and use it for your regular grocery shopping.
• Hand knit mittens and hats for Christmas.  

Direct contact information for SEAM:

 

South East Associated Ministries, Inc.
6500 Six Mile Ln, Ste A
Louisville, KY 40218-2355
Phone: (502) 499-2059

www.seamlouisville.org