Our program helps local families who are in need.
Clients are provided with food, personal care items, cleaning supplies and gently used clothing and shoes.
We are accepting new clients who live in the Lower Providence/Collegeville/Trappe area.
Outreach House is located at 147 Evansburg Road, Collegeville.
- Hours -
The food pantry is open every 1st Tuesday and Saturday & every 3rd Tuesday and Saturday of the month.
Tuesdays 9-11am and 6-8pm
Saturdays 9-11am
Volunteer hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Please call or email for more details.
Contact us at: or 610-489-3481
Who are our clients?
We receive referrals (required) from area clergy, school guidance counselors and local social service agencies for residents of Lower Providence Township. We currently serve over 200 registered clients, made up of single-, foster- and two-parent families, abused women, the physically and mentally challenged, and the elderly. The number of children varies from none to eight per family. As of March 2019, 46.5% of our client base are children out of the total 667 individuals.
Please be aware that Outreach’s resources are certainly available for St. James’ parishioners and their families in need (INREACH). Contact the Rector if you would prefer confidential assistance.
Where do we get our inventory?
We rely on food contributions from members of the parish and local food drives held by various organizations/businesses throughout the year. St. James provides an annual $18,000 church budget which is used to purchase perishable food items and other needs. Additionally, the church budget pays the utilities and any expenses for upkeep of the building.
During the year we supplement our own supplies with those collected by:
- Elementary Schools
- High School groups
- Local churches
- Ursinus College groups
- Scout Pack 119 and Scout Troop 119
- Valley Forge Casino
- Asahikan Dojo
- First Service
Food and gently used clothing is contributed by the congregation and the community.
How do we distribute the food and clothing?
Clients with transportation are able to shop for themselves during monthly “Client Hours”. They are able to us a shopping cart and choose from our pantry shelves. Clothing is also available for them in our clothing room. Volunteers also deliver boxes of food to local shut-ins in need.
What does each client receive from us?
Clients with transportation who visit the Outreach House select food and personal care items from the point-specified stock on the pantry shelves. Each family is assigned shopping points based on the number of persons in their household. These families are able to personally select supplies that meet their specific needs.
We prepare monthly boxes of groceries and other items for clients on our delivery list. A typical box (depending on availability) includes several cans of soup, beans, vegetables and fruit, pasta and tomato sauce, canned tuna, peanut butter, cereal, bread, cupcakes and personal items (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, etc.).
We also supply additional items during the holidays, gifts at Christmas via the Mitten Tree, backpacks and school supplies in August and occasional raffles just for fun.
Why do we help?
That is what God wants us to do. We know and serve God by serving others. Even though our resources cannot meet all our clients’ needs, they have told us again and again how much our contributions are appreciated and that they do make a difference in their lives. Often what they need most is to know that people care, and we do!
How is the work accomplished?
We have no paid staff. Volunteers pack and deliver food, sort clothing, organize and stock pantry shelves, assist clients, and provide office support. We are always in need of additional volunteers. Some volunteers spend 2-4 hours a week and others 2 hours per month to keep this valuable program operating. To offer your time, email or call the Outreach House at 610-489-3481.
