Our Summer of Hope: $1 a Day program is in full swing. You may even have received information in the mail about how you can be a part of restoring lives in just the 90 days of summer!

Right now at Hope Ministries, we’re serving an average of 12,200 meals per month. That's up 300 meals monthly from last year and 2,400 more monthly than just five years ago.

But these numbers don't alarm us . . . we believe when your time, talents, prayers and gifts are multiplied by God's blessings, we'll have the resources to be sure every need is met.

In addition to a making a financial gift, here are several easy ways to get involved with our Summer of Hope!

1) Join us in prayer—every day of the summer—to ask God's guidance for ministry staff and volunteers and His encouragement for the homeless and hurting in our facilities. Join our Hope Ministries Prayer Team!

2) Gifts in Kind, by the 9s—recruit your church, civic or social group to collect nine each of nine items specified on our Gifts in Kind list, and bring them to Hope Ministries.

3) Drive Away Need—check out our list of unique and fun-filled drives and recruit a group to help spread awareness of the needs of the poor.

4) Summer Cool-Down Collection—gather nine (duplicates appreciated) of the following items the homeless need to stay healthy on the streets: sport bottles (that can be refilled with water); sunscreen; insect repellant; aloe gel/lotion. Bring your items to our Hope Bargain and Community Outreach Center.

5) Time on Your Hands—As little as 90 minutes can make a big difference in the quality of assistance we can provide to the poor! Go online and learn how you can you can share your time.

6) Church Bulletin—include the message below in your church bulletin to recruit participation for Summer of Hope activities:

Hope Ministries is inviting volunteers to help tend to the needs of the homeless and hungry during their Summer of Hope campaign. They have a variety of opportunities for individuals, families, adults and youth groups. For more information, call (515) 265-7272 or send an e-mail to info@hopeiowa.org, or view their volunteer opportunities list on their Web site at www.hopeiowa.org.

Whatever you can do to serve alongside us will be greatly appreciated! Together, we can truly make this season a Summer of Hope for the homeless.