Darlene Simpson and Jeannine Kuolt are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of St Stephen the Martyr. Donations are 100% tax deductible. Breath of Aire has performed a benefit concert for 9 years in a row to support the Terrific Tuesday meals community meal program. Since June 2010 volunteers from several local churches have served home cooked meals and friendship every Tuesday to individuals and families in need or just wanting to share a meal with others.
Because of the circumstances we are all experiencing at this time, Breath of Aire was unable to perform this year and we lost our major income source. We need to make up the fund shortage or we will not be able to continue this program.
Currently we are unable to serve our sit down dinners at our sponsor churches, St. Stephen the Martyr and St. John the Baptist because of health and safety guidelines mandated at this time, but we continue with preparing and serving weekly takeout meals to many who are homeless in downtown Kent. We are also able to provide meals for the women and children at KentHope, and we have been providing dinner weekly to Vine Maple Place clients. Both KentHope and Vine Maple Place are significant resources to assist women and families in crisis by providing for immediate needs and offering support services to give them hope and help them become self-sufficient. In total Terrific Tuesday Meals provides between 145-185 dinners each week and we hope to be able to continue this work.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and Prophets (Matthew 7:12 NIV)
Outreach
Requests for financial aid have doubled in the last few months. A majority of parishioner requests for help stem from a medical issue.
With church donations down it is difficult to decide where to donate your funds. It would be much appreciated if you could give just a few dollars in your blue envelope or mark on your check "Outreach". Your prayers are also gratefully accepted.
Food Bank
Thanks to the FDA Farm to Families Boxes Program, we haven't needed as many food items.We only give out one bag of food with the boxes of food program, before we were giving out 3 bags of food. But right now we do need a few items: peanut,butter, cereal,; jam/jelly, fruit, and bread.
If you have any unused gift cards we could use them. We are providing them to students to purchase their school supplies.
Thank you for all you support.
COVID-19 Impacting your Life?
Has Covid-19 negatively impacted your life? If you are a registered parishioner, we may be able to help you! Have you gotten behind on a utility bill, your rent, or have another financial need? If so, call the parish office or email Darlene Simpson at
darsimpson@gmail.com to see if we can help. Non-Parishioners needing financial help should contact our St. Vincent de Paul HelpLine at 206-767-6449. If you need prayers, help with errands, or just want to talk with someone, please call the office at 253-631-1940 and talk to Betty Mencke who can connect you with the appropriate person.
Remember We are Here for You!