One Item-One Family ~ weekly donation
St. James Outreach House provides food and personal care items on a monthly basis to persons in our community in need of assistance. The bulk of supplies stocking the pantry shelves are provided through food drives sponsored by our boy scouts, the local post office, local elementary schools and other churches in the community, as well as through the church outreach budget. One Item-One Family is an opportunity for parish families to supplement these supplies with individual weekly donations. Collection baskets are provided at both the back and front entrances of the church for convenience.
A sampling of items is brought forward each week by one of our church school children when the offertory is presented at the altar. At that time we remember our own personal blessings and recognize the needs of others singing:
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
Please note: If you find it difficult to remember an item each week an occasional bag of groceries to catch up is always welcome. Bags can be left under the coat racks in the back lobby. A list of most needed supplies is shown in the worship bulletin at each service. All donations large or small are appreciated by the Outreach House staff and by our clients. There are more than 100 families served at the Outreach House and the shelves always need to be replenished. Please give as you are able.
What's in a monthly delivery box: One box cereal, three canned vegetables, three canned fruit, one can beans, one canned tomato product, one canned meat, one canned meal, three canned soup, one jar peanut butter, one dessert or snack, and one miscellaneous item. In addition a bag of personal items is provided for each family.
Donation tips: An easy way to donate is with buy one get one free items. Purchase an item your family would normally use...keep one give the other away. Another suggestion is to use grocery store free item coupons. If a coupon is for a nonperishable that your family would not normally use, pick up the item anyway and donate it to the Outreach house.
