We so appreciate our generous supporters who donated the following for Methodist Services’ Backpacks, School Supplies & Uniforms - Best Mini-Campaign ever! Children & families expressed deep gratitude for:

1,200 Backpacks & School Supplies

Dozens of $20 Gift Cards for School Uniforms

$250 to Purchase School Uniforms


Amazon DG13

4 Large Amazon Bins full of Backpacks & School Supplies valued at $1,925


Charles River

96 Backpacks with School Supplies


Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia

770 Backpacks with School Supplies


Doylestown UMC

30 Backpacks with School Supplies


Foster Angels on Earth

25 Backpacks with School Supplies


NGA Lansdale/Hatfield

36 Backpacks with School Supplies


St. Luke UMC

20 Backpacks with School Supplies


Paoli UMC

Dozens of $20 Target Gift Cards for School Uniforms


Eleanor Roberts

$250 towards School Uniforms

Recently, highly regarded Education leader, Heather Stutz, retired from Methodist Services. She has begun a new Pre-K teaching opportunity much closer to her home. Longtime friends and co-workers had this to share about Heather:


Kathrine Joy Martin, President & CEO, Methodist Services

Heather Stutz began her career with Methodist 27 years ago as a Preschool Teacher. Her dedication, talent & passion for education guided her professional journey as she advanced through several roles, culminating in her final position as Administrator of Education. Throughout nearly three decades of service, Heather’s leadership and commitment impacted the lives of tens of thousands of children across Philadelphia, as they navigated personal & societal challenges. Her work not only helped to shape & support young learners but also strengthened the foundation of Methodist’s educational mission. Heather will be remembered for the warmth of her smile, her devotion to children, and 27 years of commitment.


Ryan Curran, Farm Manager, Methodist Services’ Heritage Farm Heather played a pivotal role in connecting our early childhood eduction programs and Heritage Farm. It was important to her that every child that came through Methodist Services campus benefitted and connected to nature. Heather’s vision has helped Heritage Farm prosper to what it is today!


Monica Mason, Former Parent, Educare Early Learning Center

When someone truly loves what they do, it shines through in every detail. The kindness they offer, the enthusiasm they bring, and the way they lift up those around them. Heather embodied that completely. Her joy wasn’t just something you saw. It was something you felt. Our children felt it. My husband and I felt it. And even now, years later, that warmth still lives in the memories she helped create.


Heather built relationships, fostered joy, and made our family feel like part of something bigger. We’re endlessly grateful for the love and energy she brought to our daily lives. Her sparkly personality and unwavering care made Educare more than just a program. It was a place where childhood happened in the best possible way.


Thank You For Donating New & Unwrapped Gifts!

Our in-hand submission date: Week of December 15


Ways To Participate

ONLINE Make a secure online donation by clicking the button below and choose "Holiday Gift" in the drop-down menu.


BY MAIL Make a cash donation via check, payable to Methodist Services, 4300 Monument Road, Philadelphia, PA 19131 Attn: Holiday Gift.


DROP OFF & PICK UP – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

If you’d like to donate new, unwrapped toys or gifts, gift cards, or arts & crafts, reach out to cboughter@methodistservices.org



Additionally, our families treasure Gift Cards of any value from Target, Kohl’s, Walmart, Best Buy & Old Navy. We also appreciate receiving wrapping paper, gift bags and bows.

Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr & Staff came to visit Methodist Services to learn about current program offerings. He has been a longstanding champion of housing, education & case management services across the City.

From Heritage Farm - Farm Manager, Ryan Curran


“Recent days at Heritage Farm have reminded us that Fall is close at hand; cool mornings, the angle of the sun, the way the sun heats but doesn't hurt and the way certain crops smell when decomposing. There are only a few more plantings left on the crop plan for the season…most of them being salad greens, arugula and radishes. Onions have been dried for storage and our feline farmer Earl helps with weeding as the season continues to wind down.”


Jennifer (Aquilante) Robinson, Food Policy Coordinator, Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, was among many summer visitors to Heritage Farm. Recently, Heritage Farm applied for & received two City grants for Farm signage (banners, A-frame & lawn signs). This new signage will help enhance the Farm’s visibility and bring attention to Methodist Services’ on-campus Farm Market produce distribution. Great to see you, Jennifer!

After 8 years of outstanding work as Methodist Services’ Associate Director of Development, Alan Hatfield will be leaving to pursue new career options. Staff celebrated Alan at a recent pizza party. We will sorely miss Alan's savvy in all-things-Development, dedication, industriousness, warmth and sense of humor. Please come back to visit!

Methodist Services offers Early Childhood Education Programs for children, birth to 5 years old. Learn about basic eligibility requirements for Methodist Services' Educare Learning Center programs. High quality, free childcare available.


Contact 215-877-1925 ext 301 to learn more!

On Methodist Services' Main Campus: Out of School Time Programs!

3-6 pm (12-6 pm on Half Days)

• Beautiful 22-Acre Campus

• Dance Club

• Basketball Club

• Homework Help

• Social & Emotional Learning

• Theme-Based Activities

• Art

• Sports

• Games

• Health & Wellness

• Farm Education

• Free Produce

Call 215-877-1925 for more information.

Methodist Services' Backpacks, School Supplies & Uniforms

August 1 - September 30, 2025


Methodist Services' Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive

October 1 - November 17, 2025


Methodist Services' Holiday Toy, Gift & Gift Card Drive

Donations accepted through December 15, 2025

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Visit us at methodistservices.org