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Your neighbors have come up with creative ways to help the ecumenical nonprofit that operates the largest local soup kitchen and homeless shelter in the area.

The Rev. Mike Aiken, executive director of the Greensboro Urban Ministry, appreciates each effort — and would like to see the community get behind supporting them.

CDs are still available from Guilford Park Presbyterian Church’s Men’s Fellowship Chorus, which put out a 23-carol Christmas album to benefit the nonprofit.

“These guys really know how to carry a tune,” Aiken said.

The cover of “First Light of Christmas” is Urban Ministry’s 2008 honor card painting by Bill Mangum.

The men recorded the CD last spring in Elon University’s recording studios with student sound engineer Jacob Danieley and choir musical director Brian Fitts. It was packaged for distribution by October.

“We really didn’t know how to sell it,” said group member George Setzer. “We asked for donations to Greensboro Urban Ministry instead of setting a sales price. It was an adventure. Using friends and family as sales sources, I have sent CDs to New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, California — as well as many North Carolina cities to cash in on friendship sales.”

About 100 CDs are available at the church office at 2100 Fernwood St., 288-5452.

The chorus sold 250 CDs over Christmas, and donated 100 of them to United States military chaplains throughout the world to be used in their workshop, fellowship and group events.

“The feedback from the U.S. chaplains and many homebound folk enjoying the music of Christmas has been heartwarming,” Setzer said.

Even if Christmas has passed, “think of it as helping the night shelter and getting a great CD for free,” Setzer said.

On Tuesday, the chorus will turn over proceeds — a $2,500 check — to the nonprofit. The chorus started the effort with a recording of old hymns in 2007, “Singing Our Faith,” that raised $1,300 for the nonprofit.

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Speaking of repeats: It’s time for “A Dance for Hope.” The inaugural show, put on by the Greensboro North Fred Astaire Dance Studio last year, raised $8,000 for Urban Ministry. The presentation will showcase professional dancers from the studio.

This year, the goal for the Feb. 6 production is double the ticket sales — at a time when the nonprofit is seeing an increased need for its services.

Olga Perkins and her teenage daughter Tyler came up with the idea while riding in their car, discussing that it was really cold outside and how hard it would be if they were homeless.

They took the idea to the dance studio, where Tyler and her sisters are students.

This year’s show is 5-7 p.m. Feb. 6 in Guilford Ballroom “B” at the Koury Convention Center.

Tax-deductible tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the Greensboro North Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 1604-A Battleground Ave.; by calling 271-5959, Ext. 339; or by e-mailing byrd@guministry.org.

For more information, go to www.danceforhope2010.blogspot.com.

Contact Nancy McLaughlin at 373-7049 or nancy. mclaughlin@news-record.com