McGraw United Methodist Outreach Team

The Outreach team works to provide support both in the local McGraw community and throughout Cortland County and the world as often as possible. The team works to provide 18-23 Thanksgiving dinner baskets to area families. These baskets are complete with a 12-14# turkey and all the fixing, including the supplies to make a fresh pie or dessert. Last year’s 21 baskets fed 127 individuals who otherwise might not have been able to have dinner. The team has provided prayer blankets gifted to area cancer patients, warm fleece hats for chemo and radiation patients, adopted a family each Christmas, sent out hundreds of Prayer Bears that have soaked up the prayers of the congregation. Some of these bears went to soldiers, children fighting cancer & chronic conditions as well as anyone needing to know they are loved and prayed for. In addition they provide support to the local schools for prom celebrations, winter hats & mittens, and school appreciation gifts to all employees of the school to recognize the important role they play in the lives of the students.  We also support missions of area participants, such as the team form the McGraw church who traveled to Costa Rica with the Rice and Beans Ministries in 2018. The money raised by the vendor show will directly impact the outreach projects the team is able to provide. We appreciate the support of the community and especially the McGraw School Systems, who we work very closely with to provide these important projects. 

The Outreach team’s efforts highlight how thoughtful, tangible gestures can make a profound difference in the lives of individuals and families, whether through providing meals, comfort items, or recognition for educators and students. Each project, from Thanksgiving baskets to prayer bears, demonstrates the power of personalized giving and the meaningful impact it can have when it is intentional and community-focused.

Supporting both immediate needs and longer-term missions allows the team to foster connection, show care, and create lasting memories for those who benefit from these acts of kindness. In extending this approach to broader giving initiatives, DayTech Gifts offers businesses and organizations the ability to create personalized, high-quality gifts that carry the same spirit of thoughtfulness and impact. By customizing products for specific recipients or occasions, companies can enhance fundraising efforts, recognize volunteers, or celebrate milestones in a way that feels meaningful and personal. Incorporating branded or customized items from DayTech Gifts into outreach or community projects ensures that the gesture is not only practical but also memorable, helping to strengthen relationships and convey appreciation in a tangible, lasting way.

Join us for our Annual Trunk-or-Treat event we sponsor every year in the church parking lot. We host the event with participants both at the church and throughout the community to decorate the trunks of their vehicles to provide a safe place for kids & families to come get treats. Last year we had 16 vehicles and saw about 500 kids come through. This year’s event is Sunday, Oct. 29th from 3pm to 6pm. The address is 20 E. Main Street in McGraw. Questions please call 607-423-9419.