'Blue Bags' Make Charity Easier
The parishioners of St. Benedict Cathedral Parish have long been generous in many different ways. During Advent, the “Dove Tree” facilitates gift-giving to families in need. During Lent, the “Cocoon Tree” provides supplies needed by Sister Joanna’s House of Bread and Peace. “Undie Sunday” gathers packages of unused undergarments to be given to those in need. The parish has a twin-cathedral in Port-de-paîx, Haiti. Collections are taken for them four times a year. Parish members regularly give to other worthy causes, especially Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services.
A new project has recently met with great results. Borrowing the idea from Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, Kan., blue canvas shopping bags were placed at the doors of church with an accompanying list of items most needed by the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Parish individuals and families take a “blue bag” after weekend Masses, buy items on the bag list while shopping, and drop the filled blue bags in the back of church the following weekend. Volunteers and parish employees deliver the contents of the blue bags to the food pantry each week. In the first few weeks, a full pickup-truck load has been delivered each week!
The bags and lists are recycled; and throughout the year, supplies will be flowing into the food pantry. The list will be updated as the needs of the food pantry change.
Sometimes, the most difficult part of being generous is figuring out how to get our charity to the place that needs it. This simple process enables all sorts of people to be generous in yet another way, so that others who face a burdensome life may find the answer to their needs at the Saint Vincent de Paul food pantry.
