In 2016, I was greatly saddened by our country’s changing policies toward immigrants. I felt deeply—almost desperately-- that I had to do something. I knew I couldn’t change the new policies. But I also knew I could help people who were victims of those policies….so my husband and I, groups from FUMC Denton , and friends of ours from across the country travelled repeatedly to the Rio Grande Valley to protest those policies and to help feed and serve our immigrant brothers and sisters.
In the last year, my heart has been broken again by our country’s rejection of families fleeing violence, political repression, and devastating economic circumstances. And I again I searched for some way to help.
It took me a while to figure out exactly what I could do, but thanks to a conversation with a Christians Against Christian Nationalism staff member, I found just what I was looking for.
In January, my church, First United Methodist Church Denton, began putting together activity bags for children waiting
at the La Colectiva tent while their parents go to appointments at the ICE Field Office on Stemmons Freeway in Dallas.
Sunday School classes, our youth group, our United Women of Faith and the children’s Lenten project have put together 700 Children’s Activities Bags. I then take them to the La Colectiva tent on Tuesdays when I volunteer. Other area Methodist churches have also contributed to the effort.
The bags have been a huge been a wonderful gift---to the children, to our church…and to me. I may not be able to change immigration policy or do the big things I’d like --- 
but when I see the smiles on the faces of the children receiving the bags, I know I have found the pearl of great price.
-- Molly Mayo Tampke (tampkem@gmail.com)
Are you interested in making Children’s Activity Bags for the children accompanying their parents to immigration check-ins? If so, click here for the Children’s Activity Bag Guidelines and everything you need to know about organizing this project.
Feel free to contact Molly with any questions!
