July 13
What Does The Outreach Committee Do?
Each month you may hear an announcement that it is “Outreach Sunday”. What is Outreach and who are the recipients of this monthly collection of food and donations?
The mission of the Outreach Committee is to share the love of Christ through service to the poor. This takes many forms including cash donations and meeting needs such as food, clothing, school supplies and books. The principal recipient of the monthly collection is St. Cecilia’s parish in East Harlem. St. Cecelia's runs the second largest food pantry in New York City. However, your generosity and support of the outreach program has enabled the Committee to “reach out” beyond St. Cecilia’s. Some of those we have helped include-----
The Northern Westchester Shelter
“Thank you for continuing support of the Northern Westchester Shelter, a safe haven for victims of domestic violence. Over the past 25 years, we have assisted thousands of domestic violence victims to achieve safety and to make their personal journey from victim to survivor. Your support allows us to continue to provide victims of domestic violence with the support and service that makes a difference in their lives.”
HOPE House
Assistance was also given during the year to residents of Hope House which provides transitional housing for victims of domestic violence. This included back to school supplies and clothing as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
Neighbors Link
“On behalf of Neighbors Link, our Board of Trustees, and the entire community of the Center, I wish to express our gratitude for your very generous donation of tables…. which will provide much needed additional seating for our classes. We thank you for supporting and believing in our programs. Neighbors Link continues to enhance the quality of life for many low-income families and individuals residing in Northern Westchester. We appreciate your support in our effort.”
Local Family Receiving Assistance
“Dear Angels from St. John and St. Mary: Thank you for the delicious Thanksgiving feast. We all had a good time eating everything. Thank you for everything you have done. Our thanks are not enough for all your kindness, good deeds and generosity. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season.”
Westchester Community Christmas & Day Dinner
“Thank you” to the people of St. John & St. Mary for your donation to our 12th Annual Westchester Community Day Dinner. Two Hundred and fifty-eight men, women and children came to St. Mary’s Church in Katonah, NY for prayer, dinner and community. After the delicious meal, everyone was given much - needed clothing, toys for children, and a few special gifts for adult women and men.
The outreach continued after the event and was equally phenomenal. Food was distributed to three local shelters as well as the hillside food Outreach which serves the poor of Westchester. Toys were distributed to three children’s centers, gently used clothing to the Katonah Community Center and three drug rehab facilities; and miscellaneous items were given to local thrift shops to sell to benefit various programs.
Your generosity and kindness truly helped make this event a success in every way for hundreds of people in our community in less fortunate circumstances. Thank you again for being part of making this day possible.
The Outreach Committee also provides monetary and food donations to Friends of Karen, A-Home, and the Bedford Correctional Facility Children's Center.
Your Support Made A Difference!
All of this is possible because of the continuing generosity and support of this important program by you, the parishioners of St. John and St. Mary. Thank you and God bless you.