In a season where the story centers on a child being born who changes the whole world, some children at St. Paul United Church of Christ have taken a cozy approach to loving their neighbor. After a couple of teens from the church shared a story about helping build a duplex in town (Providence Place), a group of 8 and 9 year olds were inspired to imagine how they could  help neighbors who are unhoused. 

In the span of one service, they drew up a business plan, ideas for merch, and launched an initiative to help create more homes for people who are living outside. In the words of one of the founding young people, “I want to make an apartment so they feel at home a little bit more. We all want to be warm. We are doing Cocoa for a Cause.” 

With their initial goal of $115 in fundraising to put towards initiatives for housing, this crew of young people has raised over $700. They started at the beginning of Advent last December, took their show on the road to Christmas on Court, and began to fill orders and receive donations from around the community. Their hearts are bursting and the smiles on their faces say it all. Love is the light shining in the darkness. Their lights are shining bright!