EVENTS

About

The Cove Initiative, NFP hosts a wide variety of community-centered events throughout the year to support families, engage youth, and bring our community together. From resource distributions to family activities, each event is designed to uplift, connect, and serve our neighbors with compassion.

Stay updated on upcoming events and join us in creating positive change in Jefferson County!

Upcoming Events

Dine to Donate – Panda Express (Mt. Vernon)

January 22, 2026
Join us for a Dine to Donate fundraiser at Panda Express in Mt. Vernon! Orders placed during the fundraiser will help support The Cove Initiative as we continue building sustainable funding for future community outreach, Serve Days, workshops, and family support resources. Every meal makes an impact. 💙
More details will be shared on our Facebook page.

Dine to Donate – Arby’s (Salem)

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (All Day)
The Cove Initiative, NFP is hosting a Dine to Donate fundraiser at Arby’s in Salem, IL! Supporters can participate through dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru all day long. Proceeds will help us continue building toward future community events, outreach opportunities, and family support resources throughout 2026.
RSVP / Learn More: https://www.groupraise.com/events/318526-the-cove-initiative-nfp-at-arby-s

Neighborhood Nights (Monthly – Coming Soon)

Neighborhood Nights are launching soon! These monthly events will provide a safe, fun space for youth featuring music, games, reading activities, themed nights, and positive community connection.
Dates and details will be announced soon.

Community Workshops (2026)

We will offer free community workshops throughout the year focused on meaningful, practical ways to support families and strengthen our community.
Topics and dates will be posted as they are scheduled.

Cove Initiative Serve Days (Quarterly)

Serve Days are quarterly outreach opportunities where our team will volunteer alongside other organizations and assist individuals and families across our community.
Dates and locations coming soon.

Blessing Box Donation Days (Ongoing)

We regularly hold donation drives to refill Blessing Boxes and restock essential items for families in need. Donation requests and drop-off opportunities are shared through our Facebook page.
Follow us on Facebook for current needs and donation dates.

BLESSING BOXES UPDATE

We are incredibly thankful for the support that has made our Blessing Boxes possible and allowed us to serve families in our community.

At this time, we are temporarily pausing new Blessing Box requests due to low inventory and limited volunteer availability needed to restock, pack, and distribute boxes consistently.

All Blessing Box requests already submitted will still be honored as of 01/03/2026.
New requests will be paused temporarily while we rebuild supply levels and strengthen our volunteer support.

This pause allows us to be responsible stewards and ensure we can continue serving families in a sustainable and organized way.

Want to help? If you are interested in sponsoring a Blessing Box (or donating items), please message us — we would love to share exactly what is needed and how you can make an immediate impact for a local family.

PICKUP & DELIVERY UPDATE

Moving forward, Blessing Boxes will be distributed primarily through scheduled pickup dates, offered throughout each month and shared once finalized. Blessing Boxes can be picked up at Inglenook Farm in Mt. Vernon, IL. Delivery will be available on a limited basis for families who truly cannot pick up due to transportation or significant barriers. When needed, deliveries within Jefferson County will take place during the last week of each quarter.

Community Collaborations

The Cove Initiative partners with schools, churches, organizations, and local groups to host special events throughout the year. Recent collaborations include:

MVTHS Black Student Union (BSU)
Lively Stone Apostolic Church
Zion United Methodist Church
Inglenook Farm
Local families, businesses, and volunteers

These partnerships allow us to reach more families and strengthen our impact.

Pictured is one of our Cove Team Members with her children picking up a check donation provided by Paul Shields Allstate Insurance.

Past Events

Coats & Cocoa

December 20th, 2025

Our Coats & Cocoa event grew into much more than a coat drive — it became a full community outreach afternoon in partnership with the MVTHS Black Student Union (BSU) and Lively Stone Apostolic Church. Families were able to shop and receive winter coats, clothing, and toys, while kids enjoyed a Children’s Activity Center filled with fun and engagement. Guests also enjoyed free hot cocoa, potato soup, and chocolate chip cookies, and Lively Stone Church opened their food pantry during the event so families could also take home essential groceries. It was a day full of warmth, generosity, and community support — and we are so grateful for every partner, volunteer, and donor who made it possible.

Claus, Paws, and Cookies Event

December 14th, 2025

Our Claus, Paws, and Cookies event was a fun-filled holiday evening hosted by The Cove Initiative, NFP at Zion United Methodist Church, where families of all ages came to celebrate the season and enjoy community connection. Guests had the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, take photos, and enjoy a festive atmosphere throughout the evening. Children participated in a Christmas cookie decorating class generously offered by Ashlee’s Batter and Bliss, LLC, decorating their own sweet treats to take home while making special holiday memories. One of the most loved parts of the night was meeting the adorable puppies, which added an extra layer of joy and excitement for families. The event was completely free to attend and served as a meaningful way to celebrate the season through fun, laughter, and fellowship.

Community Giveaway & Service Day with Momentum Church

November 2nd, 2025

In collaboration with Momentum Church, we helped provide free winter hats and gloves to families in need. This event was a beautiful example of what happens when the community comes together in generosity and service. Families received practical support, and volunteers from both organizations worked side-by-side to offer kindness, encouragement, and hope.

Family Fall Fest at Zion United Methodist Church

October 25th, 2025

Our Fall Fest was a wonderful day filled with family activities, community connection, and seasonal fun. We partnered with Zion United Methodist Church to host games, treats, kid-friendly activities, and giveaways that brought families together for a joyful autumn celebration. The event provided a warm, welcoming space for families to enjoy time together and learn more about local support resources.