AMICABLE CARES - KINDNESS CABINET

Share what you can. Take what you need.

 

In February 2026, we purchased Make America Kind buttons and made them available to everyone who entered the building. We encouraged people to wear them, and when someone commented on it, to give it to them. More than 500 pins have now been shared neighbor to neighbor, and the numbers continue to grow weekly.

 

About eight weeks ago, some members of the congregation gathered during Coffee Hour to brainstorm ways we could serve our neighbors. This led to the formation of the Amicable Cares Team, a group from the congregation dedicated to responding to and engaging with the community through neighbors-helping-neighbors initiatives.

 

Feeding our hungry neighbors is mentioned multiple times in both the Old and New Testaments, and that became their initial priority. Initially, information about local Food Banks was gathered and verified by their leadership. This handout was included in every bag distributed at our community Thanksgiving Basket event and through our Amicable Church Thrift Store (ACTS). Fourteen people, both in our congregation and beyond, contributed to creating this accurate list. Click here to see the list.

 

However, not everyone who needs food can access a food bank because of the distance or limited hours and days they are open. Also, as New Englanders, not everyone feels comfortable being seen using a local food bank.

 

In a Sakonnet Times article about our Thanksgiving Baskets, it was mentioned that we had started working on our next project—a place where neighbors can share with and receive from each other. That led to requests for more information from congregants and neighbors, along with offers of time and money. The Trustees and a leader of our ACTS Thrift Store joined the discussion. Other churches shared how they are doing similar work.

 

Sunday, January 11, 2026, before services, those entering through the north entrance might have noticed the results: The Amicable Cares - Kindness Cabinet. On Sunday, January 18th, during worship, we will accept single-item donations. This initial stock of items for the Cabinet will be blessed. After that, the Kindness Cabinet will be open at any time for items to be received or taken as needed.

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If you would like to contribute to the Kindness Cabinet, please click here for Donation Guidelines.