Advent Giving Guide
As we consider Jesus' gift and what he calls us to do and be in the world, we invite you to give life-giving gifts to organizations showing the love of Jesus to those in need here in Indy and around the world.
“Isn’t this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter? When you see the naked to clothe them, and to not turn away from your own flesh and blood.” (Isaiah 58:6-7)
Where to begin?
Prayer is always a good place to start. Which of these groups do you feel God calling you to partner with?
How to Give:
Through Trinity: Write a check payable to the organization and place it in Trinity's offering basket. We will forward it to your chosen ministry partner.
Directly: Use the contact information provided to give directly to any organization.
If you'd like to learn more or get involved hands-on with their work, please contact them using the information provided below.
Quick Links
LOCAL AND COMMUNITY
Kheprw Institute
Kheprw Institute is committed to community development through the four E's: Economy, Education, Environment, and Empowerment. Operating from Octavia's Visionary Campus on Indianapolis's south side, they run urban agriculture programs, community gardens, and the Indy Community Land Trust to create pathways to affordable homeownership and food security.
Your Impact: Supporting Kheprw means investing in sustainable community development, food access through urban farming, and helping families achieve stable housing through innovative land trust models.
Contact: info@kheprw.org | 317-606-3650
The Avenue Foundation
The Avenue Foundation works to strengthen Black-owned businesses and community spaces. Despite facing significant challenges, The Avenue Foundation continues to build vision and capacity for Black economic empowerment and community gathering spaces in Indianapolis.
Your Impact: Your gift supports a BIPOC business owner working to create welcoming community spaces and economic opportunities that strengthen our neighborhoods.
Contact: Missional Engagement Team at engagement@indytrinity.org for current giving information
Irvington Counseling Collective
ICC provides accessible, sliding-scale mental health counseling with a commitment to equity. They subsidize thousands of dollars in session fees annually and maintain dedicated funds specifically for BIPOC, Trans, and Nonbinary clients' mental wellness. Their work recognizes that mental health care is justice work.
Your Impact: Your donation directly reduces financial barriers to counseling and ensures that those most marginalized have access to quality mental health support.
Contact: info@irvingtoncounseling.org | 203 Good Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46219
IUYA
(Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance)
IUYA advocates for and supports undocumented youth and families across Indiana. They organize around immigrant rights, provide education about legal protections, mobilize community response to ICE enforcement, and work to build sanctuary spaces. IUYA has been on the front lines fighting deportations, opposing harmful legislation, and ensuring immigrant communities have a voice in policies that affect their lives. They've led campaigns to keep ICE off college campuses, oppose detention facilities, and protect immigrant legal services funding.
Your Impact: Your support helps IUYA provide critical advocacy, rapid response to ICE activity, legal education, and organizing capacity to defend immigrant families. In a time of increased enforcement and fear, IUYA's work is more essential than ever.
Contact: Missional Engagement Team at engagement@indytrinity.org
Miami Nation of Indiana
The Miami Nation of Indiana works to preserve and strengthen Miami culture, language, and sovereignty. As an indigenous community with deep roots in this land, they continue the work of cultural preservation and community care for Miami people.
Your Impact: Supporting the Miami Nation honors our responsibility to indigenous communities and contributes to the vital work of cultural preservation and tribal community development.
Other Local Partners
For information about additional partnership opportunities with organizations addressing housing justice, gun violence prevention, and community development, contact the Missional Engagement Team at engagement@indytrinity.org
INTERNATIONAL
Nou Hope Haiti
Nou Hope walks alongside the communities of LaMare and Terre-Salei in the Central Plateau of Haiti. Nou is Haitian Creole for "we" or "you" (plural) — with its double meaning, pronounced "New Hope" in English, it describes the new direction and hope for a sustainable future with our Haitian partners.
What They Do: In partnership with local Haitian leaders, Nou Hope addresses three interconnected areas: spiritual formation, education, and community development. This holistic approach means sustainable change led by Haitians for Haitians.
Your Impact:
$10/month covers secondary school assistance for one student
$120/month supports one school teacher
$500/month funds NEPAC's Agricultural initiative
$1,000 provides income-generating micro-loans for communal economic development
Sign up for the monthly newsletter | Give directly | Contact: info@nouhopehaiti.org
ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY
The need for food assistance continues to grow in our community. Here are ways to support immediate food access:
Support Food Banks
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana — Serving 21 counties and distributing food through hundreds of partner agencies
Second Helpings — Rescuing food and providing nutritious meals while offering culinary job training
Connect People to Resources
If you know someone needing food assistance, Indianapolis has multiple free meal sites and food pantries:
IYG Food Pantry (for LGBTQ+ youth) — [Amazon Wish List for donations]
IPS Free Meals at various school locations
Indy Parks & Recreation free meals for children 18 and under
USDA Meal Sites — Find locations through Indiana Department of Education's nutrition map
Local Food Pantries — Contact Trinity for current updated lists of neighborhood food pantries
Trinity is working to compile updated food pantry information. Check our website or contact engagement@indytrinity.org for current resources.
WHEN YOU DO BUY GIFTS...
Using our money for God's purposes involves more than just giving — it also means thoughtful and just purchasing. Consider these practices when buying gifts:
Fair Trade
When we buy items that provide fair wages and good working conditions for those who made them, our money affirms that their lives have value in God's eyes. Here are some fair trade shopping options:
Global Gifts (1300 E 86th St and 446 Mass Ave)
Raw Tools (tools from recycled guns!)
Not sure if something is ethical? Check Better World Shopper
Shop Local
Supporting local businesses strengthens our community. Your money means more to a small business owner than to Walmart or Amazon. Great local shops include:
Shop Tibet (835 E. Westfield)
Silver in the City (434 Mass Ave)
Global Gifts (1300 E 86th St and 446 Mass Ave)