This week we begin our Bethlehem Stars Advent outreach. Stars are placed along the walls of the church. Pick a star as a commitment to purchase a gift card or item to support one of our sponsored organizations. Details on what to buy for each organization are listed here!
THE FOOD DRIVE is a community-driven food rescue and hunger relief nonprofit organization based in Melrose, Massachusetts, serving neighborhoods north of Boston. Thanks to our donations, the Food Drive began an emergency assistance program with our Advent Stars program a couple of years ago. They expressed a need for grocery store gift cards, especially Shaw’s/Albertson’s and Instacart, to provide those in need with an emergency boost.
NOTRE DAME CRISTO REY is a Catholic high school in Methuen ministering to underserved youth. Sisters Maryalyce Gilfeather and Mary Murphy, SNDdeN kindly request gift cards for Market Basket or Walmart, which will be distributed to their most vulnerable families, especially during the holidays when the school’s food programs are not available. Your generosity is sincerely appreciated by the Notre Dame Cristo Rey family.
BREAD OF LIFE is a nonprofit, nondenominational, faith-based food security organization based in Malden, MA that provides over 1.5 million pounds of free food a year for economically struggling and disadvantaged families, individuals, youth and senior citizens in the North metro Boston area. They expressed a need for grocery gift cards and food donations. The food donations can be placed in our Food Drive bins.
HOUSING FAMILIES INC. works to achieve housing equity and wellbeing for all. They partner with communities, families, and individuals to ensure housing stability by offering tailored services including temporary and permanent housing, food assistance, counseling and therapy, legal services, and youth programs. Housing Families requests gift cards, as well as, toys, arts and craft supplies, and beauty products.
We can be most helpful by bringing the gifts to church by December 14.