St. Alban’s Ministries In The Community Meeting
Feb. 14, 2010
Part 1: Things we do locally.
Rag Dolls
Red Cross called this week and would like more dolls. Do we want to continue sewing these dolls? The general consensus was “yes”.
Barbara H. will be sending 60-80 more this week. Louise will sew the bodies we have available in the closet.
NOTE: Wal-Mart is clearing out their fabric/crafts department and fabric is on sale. Check for stuffing to be on sale too. Small-patterned material is used. Avoid what would be considered “flesh” colored plain fabric. We will plan a sewing day in the near future to get together and work on these. We are also welcome to take them home to work on.
Share Your Christmas
Mother Cathy reported we will buy for 14-18 year olds this year. They will have Angel Tree angels so we will know what they would like. Look for socks, gloves, hats, hoodies, etc. also, as these things are on sale now. Apparently because of the economy, young people are now requesting clothing rather than just toys. These items can be brought in now as we are creating storage for them. Last year we filled 276 bags for adults for Christmas.
Food Pantry
Mother Cathy reported the pantry is currently being used a lot. People are still our of work or underemployed and the need is great.
Request: Diapers (any size), toilet paper, toiletries, cleaning supplies, along with canned meat, canned fruit and vegetables.
Woods’ cards can be used for milk and fresh food.
Deann will email websites to Mother Cathy that are sources of inexpensive toothpaste, brushes, etc. and these will be passed on to the parish.
House of Hope (shelter for abused women) and Hope’s Bridge (emergency children’s shelter)
There is currently a need for volunteers to supervise visitation of parents with children. Pat is volunteering, along with a nurse and an aide. Michelle reported there is quite a need and they will be pursuing funding for these services. She also reported that House of Hope and Hope’s Bridge will be sharing 24 hour answering.
Last year House of Hope received $600.00 from St Alban’s but Hope’s Bridge made no request as our members were volunteering so much. This year there is a need for funds, however. Those attending approved contributing and Michelle was directed to take care of that.
Need: Snacks and small juices to keep on hand at Hope’s Bridge.
Sign-up sheet will be provided for volunteering for supervised visitation.
Clothing
Mother Cathy reported we’ve been asking people to bring in what clothes they don’t need and exchange them for some they can use. Boxes of children’s clothing have been donated but members are asked to take a box home and launder them, then return them. The only adult clothing currently needed is warm winter jackets/coats.
Submitted by: Cathy Carleton
