Local Outreach

Sack Kids Hunger

Sack Kids Hunger started in November 2010 in response to the needs of children who receive breakfast and lunch during the school week, but have limited resources on weekends. Every Saturday from noon to 2:00 pm, volunteers gather at the front steps of Buford First United Methodist Church to hand out sack lunches to children in our community.

For more information on the Sack Kids Hunger program, go to the Sack Kids Hunger page or contact Sack Kids Hunger at sackkidshunger@att.net.

Buford Aid Project (BAP)

The Buford Aid Project ( BAP) was started by the Student Ministry and Buford United Methodist Men (BUMM) to serve the Buford community. BAP strives to push the point that missions does not mean we have to go across the world to work, but that we can help others in our own backyards.  If you or anyone you know needs help with small or large jobs including but not limited to: yard work, home repairs, food, clothing, or other needs, please let us know.

For the upcoming BAP dates or for more information, go to the BAP page or contact Suzanne Clegg at 770-945-7438 or email her at suzbfumc@bellsouth.net.

Gainesville Aid Project (GAP)

The Gainesville Aid Project (GAP) is a wonderful mission experience for youth going into 7th grade and up. Buford First youth have been going to GAP for many years and always have a great time. The work is done around the Gainesville area through the Antioch UMC. Youth stay in the Antioch Church Campground and eat their meals in the church fellowship hall. Youth go out in teams of 8 to 10 with adults to do yard work, build wheelchair ramps, and clean the homes of those who need the help. Many of the clients are the seen year after year and the youth build meaningful relationships with them. GAP holds a worship session each evening where youth can share how God has been working in their lives.

For the upcoming GAP dates or for more information, go to the GAP page or contact Suzanne Clegg at 770-945-7438 or email her at suzbfumc@bellsouth.net. It’s a great time to grow in your faith - we’d love to have you join us!

Gwinnett Children’s Shelter

Our church hosts the children from the local Gwinnett Children’s Shelter once a month at our Community Supper.  We have been to the shelter to do landscaping and also support the work there with an offering through the Alternative Christmas Project.

Blood Drives

Buford First UMC works in conjunction with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. to organize blood drives several Sunday mornings during the year. LifeSouth is the primary blood provider for numerous local hospitals and medical centers, including Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, so blood donations come right back into the local community!

North Gwinnett Cooperative Ministries

Buford First UMC supports the North Gwinnett Cooperative Ministries through collections of food and other items throughout the year. Church members place items (pasta, sauces, canned meat, soup, PB&J, boxed meals, cereal, soap, laundry detergent, and more) in a red shopping cart in the Fellowship Hall. These items are then delivered to the Co-op by our Missions Team.

The Missions Team also organizes two annual food drives for the Co-op where hundreds of bags of food and other items are collected.

Homeless Meals

Buford First UMC provides 4-5 meals annually for homeless women and children through the community kitchen at Grace United Methodist Church in Atlanta.  These meals are provided through a division of Action Ministries called Atlanta Urban Ministries.   The kitchen serves lunch every weekday to over 4,100 homeless women and children annually.  These meals are provided by religious organizations such as Buford First UMC as well as Atlanta businesses.

For the dates that Buford First UMC is volunteering, please check the Missions Calendar.  You can also contact Sandra Casper at 770-271-8008 or email sucasper@charter.net for additional information, including volunteer opportunities.

Prison Ministry

Throughout the year, we collect items such as soap and devotional guides to donate to the Phillips State Prison.