Saint Christopher Social Concerns Newsletter December 2020

SAINT CHRISTOPHER SOCIAL CONCERNS

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020

Volume 5 Issue 2 Thank you for signing up to receive information from the Saint Chris Social Concerns Committee (SCC). We appreciate your con- tinued interest in the Social Concerns Committee and looking for ways to help others. Many churches and nonprofits have suspended or modified volunteer efforts for health reasons due to the coronavirus. We continue to offer suggestions and ideas for you to consider during these times. Prayer, as you might expect, comes first. Listed next are volunteer opportunities and charitable actions, followed by advocacy and education.

Please consider keeping informed of the changing situation and social concerns issues via our Facebook page. Go to: https://tinyurl.com/stchris-scc (St. Chris Social Concerns Committee) to join. Just click on the box: Join Group on the main picture. If you have a problem, let us know. We value your input regarding this newsletter. Please send ideas and comments to John Hosek: [email protected].

PRAYER FOR THE DECEMBER 2020

Dear God, thank you for the gift of your Son at Christmas. Help us to do your work as we continue to wait for your return. Help us to keep the spirit of Christmas alive in our hearts and in our family in the new year. Amen. --A Social Justice Advent Guide for Families

DECEMBER 2020 SOCIAL JUSTICE DATES (FROM THE CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE RESOURCE CENTER)

December 1st: World AIDS Day December 2nd: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery December 3rd: International Day of Disabled Persons December 5th: International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development December 18th: International Migrants Day December 20th: International Human Solidarity Day

SAINT CHRISTOPHER SOCIAL CONCERNS

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020

Volume 5 Issue 2 VOLUNTEER AND CHARITABLE OPPORTUNITIES

SAINT CHRISTOPHER CHURCH

St. Christopher’s 2020 Giving in Faith Together (GIFT) Program

For close to 30 years, St. Christopher parishioners have been participating in the Christmas GIFT Program, sharing their bounty with love for those in need. Christmas gifts were dropped off at the Church and distrib- uted to participating nonprofit agencies. The GIFT program was-- and still is-- charity in action.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, your help is needed more than ever. However, the GIFT Program will be handled differently this year. You can still help the 15 agencies through online donations, checks or gift cards.

Below is an alphabetical list of participating agencies containing their online address, mailing address, and the type of gift cards preferred. (Please indicate to the agency the donation is from the St. Chris GIFT program, as we will be asking the agencies for feedback on the success of the project this year.)

If you wish to give a gift card, we strongly recommend that you drop them off at the St. Chris Rectory (20141 Detroit Road) in an envelope addressed to the agency. Gift card donations must be dropped off no later than Friday December 11, 2020. Volunteers will then deliver them in person to the agencies.

Thank you for your help in giving to people in need. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

Birthright: Birthright is committed to offering free, non-judgmental help to women facing unplanned pregnan- cies. Birthright offers love, hope and support to each woman, to help her make a realistic plan for her future and the future of her unborn child.

14701 Detroit Avenue, Suite 370, Lakewood, Ohio 44107 Special request: checks only.

Cleveland Christian Home: Cleveland Christian Home annually provides hope and healing to approximately 500 children, youth and families who are struggling with mental illness, abuse, and neglect.

4614 Prospect Avenue E. Suite 240, Cleveland, Ohio 44103 Attention: Development Department Online: https://cchome.org/donate/ Gift cards: Target, Walmart or Kohls

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NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020

Volume 5 Issue 2

Family Promise of Greater Cleveland: The agency helps homeless families each year secure independent housing and the means to sustain it. Families of any composition reside free of charge in Family Promise facilities while benefiting from work with dedicated case managers.

3470 East 152nd Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44120 Online: https://familypromisecle.org/about Gift cards: Target, Walmart, Amazon, Giant Eagle

Fill This House: We currently serve Cuyahoga County youth who are "aging out" of the foster care system. We serve teens who have been living in group homes or numerous foster homes, have few belongings, and limited support.

P.O. Box 40323, Marc’s Bay Village, Ohio 44140 Online: https://www.fillthishouse.org/ Gift cards: Walmart, Target, Amazon, Aldi, Save A Lot

Front Steps: Front Steps provides a safe and secure environment for homeless individuals and families within Cuyahoga County. The Agency offers a holistic approach to working with its residents, graduates and those in the community.

2554 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113 Online: https://www.frontstepsservices.org/donate Gift cards: Walmart

Hispanic Senior Center: The Hispanic Senior Center serves seniors in the Greater Cleveland area with an em- phasis on the cultural and linguistic needs of the older adults of the Hispanic community.

7800 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102 Attention: Esther Rodriguez Gift Cards: Walmart

House of Champions: The House of Champions provides a nurturing and safe setting with a family-like environment where grade school age children have additional opportunities to learn life skills which will give them the confidence to succeed.

2066 West 47th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44102 c/o Sister Mary Kay Conkey Online: https://vireopay.net/Payer/Payform/Info Gift Cards: Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Michael's Arts and Crafts, JoAnn Fabric

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Malachi House: Created out of a Christian sense of ministry, Malachi House serves persons who are terminally ill, without regard to gender, race, religion, or national origin and without cost to the resident or family.

2810 Clinton Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 Attention: Emily Online: https://malachihouse.org/support-mh/ Gift Cards: Walmart, Target, Giant Eagle, Save A Lot, Home Depot, GFS, Dave’s Market, Amazon

Metanoia Project: Metanoia Project provides resources, connections, and opportunities for growth and change to our most vulnerable men and women through our hospitality care in Cleveland.

PO Box 770792 Cleveland, Ohio 44107 Attention: Katie Prescott Online: https://metanoiaproject.org/donate-1 Gift Cards: Subway, RTA day bus passes

Metro Catholic School: Metro Catholic School provides a quality education that blends learning with faith and faith with life according to the needs and abilities of each child.

3555 West 54th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44102 Attention: Advancement Office Special request: gift cards only. Gift Cards: Target, Giant Eagle, Walmart

Providence House: Providence House protects at-risk children and supports families through crisis, strengthen- ing communities to end child abuse and neglect.

2050 West 32nd Street Cleveland, Oh 44113 Online: https://www.provhouse.org/campaigns/st-christopher-parish Gift Cards: Target, Walmart, Dave’s Market, Giant Eagle, Visa

Rocky River Assistance Program: Supplies residents in need with food, personal care, and household items.

P.O. Box 16724 Rocky River, Ohio 44116 Online: http://www.rrwc.org/donation Gift Cards: Target, Marcs, Giant Eagle

St. Colman Church: One of the cornerstones of St. Colman Church is the dedication to "Just Open the Door." Through this belief and commitment, the Parish offers programs, projects and support for parishioners and the community in which we serve.

2027 West 65th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44102 Attention: Sister Marilyn Online: https://stcolmanchurch.wesharegiving.org/s/ Gift Cards: Marcs, Target

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NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020

Volume 5 Issue 2 Twice Blessed Free Store: Twice Blessed is a Free Store Ministry, providing necessary items to those in need at no cost.

19414 Detroit Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116 Attention: Twice Blessed Online: https://www.rrumc.org/giving (use drop down menu for Twice Blessed)

Westside Catholic Center: The Westside Catholic Center assists all who come in need of food, clothing, shelter, advocacy, and a path to self-sufficiency.

3135 Lorain Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113 Online: https://www.wsccenter.org/donate or Gift Cards: Amazon, Walmart, Target

ROCKY RIVER ASSISTANCE

Sadly, the pandemic means we cannot host our annual Holiday Home Tour in 2020. Instead, the Rocky River Women’s Club (RRWC) is selling holiday ornaments to raise money for the Rocky River Assistance Program (RRAP) and other programs.

For $25 you will receive a beautiful glass ornament. The funds raised through the 2020 Holiday Fundraiser will support the RRAP that serves those in need within our community. The RRAP provides school supplies, winter coats and gloves, Christmas presents, and meals throughout the year to the neighbors we serve. Furthermore, we provide scholar- ships to local high school students and support local organizations through grants. We appreciate your generosity during this time!

Click below for information on how to purchase, or to donate: http://www.rrwc.org/2020-holiday-fundraiser?fbclid=IwAR23GYj0gGXiUG4rzrqdzFkVvyi_RM5k0NtD- 6pwNFg5z8vBg05pbzsZwSM

Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, the RRAP has limited the monthly Pack & Sort to Rocky River Women’s Club members only.

However, you may drop off non-perishable items at Lake Road Market at 20267 Lake Road anytime. The needs for December are canned tomatoes and rice (brown or white).

The RRAP needs monetary donations to continue assisting our neighbors in need. Tax-deductible donations can be made online via PayPal: http://www.rrwc.org/donation or by checks made to Rocky River Assistance

SAINT CHRISTOPHER SOCIAL CONCERNS

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020

Volume 5 Issue 2 Program, mailed to: P. O. Box 16724, Rocky River, OH 44116. If more convenient, you can also mail grocery gift cards to RRAP. Giant Eagle, Heinen's and Target cards in $25 increments are the most helpful.

SAINT COLMAN PARISH

For the foreseeable future, the Neighborhood Meal will be a to-go meal once a month. For information on the December meal please call 216-651-0550.

We thank our dedicated volunteers who have worked hard to plan for a safe reo- pening of this vital program for our Parish and our neighborhood.

To donate, please send checks to St. Colman Church, 2027 West 65th Street, Cleve- land, Ohio 441102.

ROCKY RIVER/LAKEWOOD MEALS ON WHEELS

Rocky River Lakewood Meals On Wheels is continuing to deliver freshly made, nutritious meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have implemented strict sanitation procedures to protect our meal recipients, volunteers, and staff from contact with and transmission of the virus.

Planning ahead, we have given all our recipients a supply of non-perishable food to have on-hand in the event that we are forced to suspend our normal operations at some point in the future.

We have the capacity to serve more people who are finding it difficult to purchase or prepare healthy meals. If you or someone you know – friend, relative, neighbor – needs our service, please contact us at (440) 333-6298, and browse our website for more information.

For more information about Rocky River Meals on Wheels visit www.mealsonwheelsrr.org.

WEST SIDE CATHOLIC CENTER

Important update regarding COVID-19:

Please check out the West Side Catholic Center at the following sites to keep informed of the status of their programs:

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON ITEM DONATIONS AND DROP OFF TIMES (Donation hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-1pm. Two parcel limit.

SAINT CHRISTOPHER SOCIAL CONCERNS

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020

Volume 5 Issue 2 CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF UPDATES TO OUR RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAMS (Resource Center hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm; Saturday, 9am-10am and 4:30pm-5:15pm for meals only)

SAINT VINCENT DEPAUL SOCIETY

Please check out Saint Vincent DePaul at the following site to keep informed of the status of their programs:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/svdpcle/posts/?ref=page_internal

Donate safely and securely online today! Or to make a gift by mail, please make your check or money order payable to “St. Vincent de Paul Society” and mail to: St. Vincent de Paul Society Care Club, 1404 East Ninth Street – Third Floor, Cleveland, OH 44114.

Thank You! Click here to donate to a hunger center: https://donate.svdpcle.org/hunger-center-donations/

THE GREATER CLEVELAND FOOD BANK

Volunteers are crucial to all operations of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, whether in traditional roles (collecting, sorting, and repacking food that comes through our warehouse every day) or using special skills to support with adminis- trative functions or special projects.

In 2019, more than 21,000 volunteers contributed more than 92,000 hours of service to the Food Bank, a sav- ings of more than two million dollars in salaries and benefits, allowing for additional food to be provided to our agencies and clients.

Reach Volunteer Services by phone at 216.738.2053

Get started by clicking on one of the options below:

• Learn more about our different project areas!

• Interested in bringing a group out to volunteer? Click Here to fill out a volunteer group request form.

• Learn about our Skill-Based Volunteer Program!

SAINT CHRISTOPHER SOCIAL CONCERNS

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020

Volume 5 Issue 2 • If you or your group is interested in having a member of our Speakers Bureau give a presentation on the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and our Advocacy efforts, Click Here!

• View Our FAQ Page

FRONT STEPS

Help us touch lives and end the cycle of homelessness for men, women and children in Cuyahoga County.

Together, we can make a difference and empower those who seek a better, healthy and more fulfilling life. Front Steps can carry out our work within the community thanks to the support of our gener- ous donors and supporters. Learn more about how you can get involved through donation, volunteerism or sponsorship. https://www.frontstepsservices.org/donate

EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES

SAINT CHRISTOPHER SOCIAL CONCERNS

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020

Volume 5 Issue 2

IGNATIAN SOLIDARITY NETWORK

Advent Simplicity Challenge

NOVEMBER 29-DECEMBER 24

As we prepare our hearts for Advent, join the Advent Simplicity Challenge. Learn ways to care for people and the planet and to live simply in a season that is normally filled with mass-consumption.

This Christmas season join the Ignatian Solidarity Network in prayer, reflection, and action! This year, we have two campaigns to take part in:

Advent Simplicity Challenge November 29-December 24 As we prepare our hearts for Advent, join the Advent Simplicity Challenge. Learn ways to care for people and the planet and to live simply in a season that is normally filled with mass-consumption.

Virtual Posadas: Encountering Hope December 16-24 From December 16-24, join us in a daily virtual experience of music, art, prayer, reflection, and action as we journey with the holy family and migrants around the world in search of shelter and protection.

Click here to sign up for the Advent Simplicity Challenge: https://ignatiansolidarity.wufoo.com/forms/join-us-this-christmas-season/?fbclid=IwAR3YjCcK- jpgyu4w1CJFpYZfwZUuSCVgGNznc_s6_f10NfGrRuY08QLOSg3M

CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA (CCUSA)

CCUSA Advocacy and Social Policy team advocates for policies that uphold human dignity and promote inte- gral human development. Informed by the experience of local Catholic Charities agencies, we urge policy mak- ers to see the faces of those in need in their communities and to create policies which assist and support them.

SAINT CHRISTOPHER SOCIAL CONCERNS

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020

Volume 5 Issue 2

SOCIAL ACTION OFFICE OF THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND

The Social Action Office of the Diocese of Cleveland seeks to shape a more caring society and a more peaceful world through justice education, advocacy, community development and organizing. Our work is based on the call of the Gospel to work for the respect and dignity of all human life, the elimination of poverty, to speak out against injustice, and to promote the common good. The office is composed of County-based social action offices, and office for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services. https://ccdocle.org/social-action

CURRENT ACTION ALERTS FROM THE DIOCESE:

Click here for the most recent Action Alerts from the Diocese: https://www.ccdocle.org/service-areas/diocesan-social-action-office/advocacy/take-action-now

ACTION ALERTS FROM THE CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF OHIO: Click here for the most recent Action Alerts from the Conference: https://www.ohiocathconf.org/issues/category/legislative-action-alerts