The Giving Tree
It began as an Angel Tree one December, collecting items for a community group. But we realized that this group, and others like it, had needs all year long, not just at Christmas. And so was born our Giving Tree.
Several times a year, we select a nonprofit to support. Previous trees have sponsored homeless families, parenting, early education, troops in Afghanistan and animal shelters, to name a few. Tags listing the needs are hung on a tree in the Parish Hall. Keep a lookout on the Sunday bulletin and website for Giving Tree announcements.
Our March Giving Tree benefits the Street Ministry run locally by Rev. Steve Parker, a clergy in residence at St. Boniface. Our Street Ministry began with the onset of the pandemic, when Resurrection House was closed. The ministry now supports the remnants of that homeless population who are not welcome at either Resurrection House or Salvation Army, approximately 25 souls. The ministry continues to give clothing, cold bottled water, protein snacks, and $5.00 “dignity money.”
Steve personally begins each gathering with a prayer service, followed by the distribution of the above items. These homeless folks are among the poorest in our community, most of them sleeping on the street each night and are afflicted with a variety of ills and conditions. This group, men and women, are enormously grateful for our support.
Items needed:
Clothing for men (mostly) and women, new or gently used
- Sneakers, sturdy shoes
- Socks
- Underwear
- Jackets
- Work shirts, tee shirts
- Long pants
- Caps
Other
- Small flashlights
- Towels/ mats to sit or lie on
Monetary donations are always appreciated to buy weekly water, protein snacks, and "dignity money". Please put Street Ministry on the memo line of your check to St Boniface, or donate online selecting Street Ministry which is listed as a fund.
Items should be placed under the Giving Tree in the Parish Hall and will be collected through Sunday, March 29.
