by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service
High-school-age and adult Lutherans attending the 2006 Youth
Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
are saying "no more hungry people" and will strive to raise $1
million for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Under the "Hamiltons
for Hunger" effort, every Lutheran attending the Gathering is
asked to bring $30 or "three Hamiltons." The board of the
Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) issued the $1 million
challenge. LYO represents the high-school-age members of the
ELCA. About 40,000 Lutherans are expected to attend the ELCA
Youth Gathering in two back-to-back events July 5-9 and July 12-
16 in San Antonio, Texas. The Gathering's theme is "Cruzando:
Journey with Jesus."
"This is the first generation who can dare say that the end of
world hunger is possible in their lifetime," said Heidi J.
Hagstrom, director, ELCA Youth Gathering. Out of every dollar
contributed to the appeal, 70 cents is directly allocated for
hunger relief and development work around the world. Less than a
dime is used for administration, fundraising and communication,
she said. "ELCA World Hunger makes a life-saving difference
around the world and close to home. Relief efforts provide food,
medicine and shelter to those desperate in need," Hagstrom said.
Kathryn Sime, director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal,
said she is "delighted" by the challenge because "it's more about
recognizing that youth have a significant role to play in
changing the world today and tomorrow. It's not just about
raising funds, it's about the changing the world."
WEB LINKS:
2006 Youth Gathering
http://www.ELCA.org/gathering/home.html
ELCA World Hunger Appeal
http://www.ELCA.org/hunger
Hamiltons for Hunger
http://www.ELCA.org/gathering/offering/hfh.html
Lutheran Youth Organization
http://www.ELCA.org/lyo
"Cruzando: Journey with Jesus"
http://www.ELCA.org/gathering/theme.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
