St. George's Clothing Assistance Program |
|---|
"Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least among you, you did not do for me."Matthew 25:41-45
Since the day the first shells were broken by Bahamian immigrants to make the blocks which now make up the walls of St. George's Episcopal Church in Riviera a major part of our mission has been to help those with basic needs including food and clothing.
After Father McManus, Priest-In-Charge, visited the faith based program for the homeless in Washington D.C. created by Christian Service Missions during a recent Youth Mission Trip, he, the executive staff, and lay leaders involved in the social services programs decided to make changes in the clothing program.
Our goal is the clothing assistance should meet our mission goals which meet a basic need, give the recipient a chance at reaching his full potential as a human being, and bring him or her closer to God. Additionally, we wanted to create a positive atmosphere which promoted a Christian loving and caring attitude to our clients.
Homeless volunteers and members of St. George's Episcopal Church congregation have worked side by side with volunteers from St. Mark's Episcopal Church over many hours to sort and arrange a great volume of clothing to allow this new program to begin.
The clothing program now consists of three different branches.
Employment Assistance
As a part of our new Job Assistance Program we are collecting and providing clothes appropriate for job interviews in accordance with Palm Beach County Workforce Alliance standards. Ideally we would like to provide at least one set of clothes to each person seeking a job. We are currently collecting mens jackets, suits, ties, long pants, shoes, socks , belts, collared shirts as well as women's dresses, suits, shoes, blouses, pants, and jackets.
We are currently distributing this clothing only during business Mondays from 12:30-5:30 PM to those actively enrolled in the Job Assistance Program in the peach office building of St. George's Center just to the east of St. George's Episcopal Church on the campus.
Clothing for the Poor
Clothing for the very poor and needy including footwear, underwear, and casual clothing for men and women is now being distributed during the lunch meal 11:30 AM-12:30 PM at the Parish Hall. Requests for clothing will be personally handled by trained volunteers during this times.
Thrift Store
In cooperation with St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Palm Beach Gardens FL, a thrift store, Saints Alive, has available used clothing for sale at very discounted prices such that a full set of clothing might cost only $10-$12. The store is open from Thursday through Sunday from about 11AM to 4:30PM.
Saints Alive Thrift Shop |
|---|
We welcome volunteers to help with clothing sorting and distribution at any of the above sites. Donations of clothing are gratefully accepted at St. George's Center office during regular business hours during the week. A phone call made to St. George's prior to bringing the donation will facilitate a more timely handling of the donation.
August 31, 2010
