mission / UNY Mission Central HUB

Red Bird Mission

Red Bird Mission was born as an answer to a prayer. Founded in 1921, the Red Bird Mission began in the southeastern corner of Kentucky to provide education and Christian evangelism ministries to residents of that area. It is one of three United Methodist missionary conferences in the United States. It is the most comprehensive mission effort of The United Methodist Church, providing outreach and services that minister to the whole person-spiritual, physical, social, and economic. United Methodists of Upper New York have participated in the shoebox mission for several years.

The Mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church is again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bird Mission for Upper New York. If you have any questions, contact David Alexander, coordinator of the event, at Dalexander4@stny.rr.com or at (607) 743-8955 or Endwell United Methodist Church at (607) 754-5735.

Red Bird Mission in 2023 and Goal for 2024
Types of Shoeboxes
Drop-off Locations

Red Bird Mission in 2023 and Goal for 2024

In December of 2023, five volunteers drove two 26-foot trucks and a van to the mission in Kentucky. They transported over 2,800 shoeboxes, over 100 new sheet sets and bedspreads, as well as numerous books, school supplies, and cleaning supplies.

The goal for 2024 is to transport at least 3,500 shoeboxes and other supplies to the Red Bird Mission the first week of December.

Types of Shoeboxes

There are two different styles of shoeboxes collected- one for adults and one for children.

Adult shoebox items include a comb or brush, shampoo, hand lotion, deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, ChapStick, a full-size bar of soap, a washcloth, disposable razors, shaving cream, nail care supplies, socks, a pair of work gloves or mittens, and a winter hat or scarf. 

Items needed for children’s shoeboxes include two or three small toys, two or three items needed for school, a comb or brush, shampoo, hand lotion, a child’s toothbrush and toothpaste, ChapStick, a bar of soap, a washcloth, a small flashlight, socks, a pair of mittens, and a winter hat.

Christian bookmarks, wristbands, and other spiritual items are also appreciated.

The Red Bird Mission likes items put in clear plastic shoebox-sized storage containers with locking lids. If you are unable to purchase plastic boxes, the same-size cardboard boxes will work. Please do not wrap the shoeboxes or cardboard boxes.  Also, it is helpful to the Mission if you clearly label each shoebox, so they know who the intended recipient is for the items. Label each box with the intended recipient (man, woman, boy, or girl). Click here to print labels.

The Mission also needs new pillows, new sheet sets, and new blankets for full and twin-size beds, as well as new bath towels. Used sheets, blankets, and towels cannot be sent.

Books, school supplies, new backpacks and cleaning supplies are needed, as well.

Donations of money can be made payable to the Endwell United Methodist Church to help cover the cost of the truck rental, fuel, lodging, and meals for the volunteers who will be delivering the shoeboxes and other donations to the Red Bird Mission. All funds will be deposited into a dedicated account for this mission. A suggested donation is $1.50 per shoebox. Please do not put money inside the shoeboxes. Place the money in an envelope and attach it to the outside of the shoebox.

Drop-off Locations

November 8 is the deadline to drop-off boxes at:

Calvary UMC in Latham, NY 
(518) 577-0985

November 12 is the deadline to drop-off boxes at:

Unadilla Methodist Church, Unadilla, NY
(607) 369-2052

Spencerport UMC, Spencerport, NY
(585) 797-8171

November 14 is the deadline to drop-off boxes at:

Asbury UMC in Getzville, NY
(716) 688-8677

November 23 is the deadline to drop-off boxes at:

United Methodist Center 
7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY

Endwell United Methodist Church 
3301 Watson Blvd., Endwell, NY. 
**Please call Dave Alexander to have him meet you at the church by calling (607) 743-7786.