The outreach activities of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church extend a helping hand to the community of Mount Vernon in a variety of ways, touching the lives of many, including UCM's clients.
The annual Mount Vernon "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" Community Food Drive is an example of how members of Saint Luke's empower our community. Led by teens from the church -- most recently Will Shute, 2017 graduate of West Potomac High -- the summer food drive engages the entire community to help our neighbors most in need, with scores of volunteers who serve as street coordinators. The total food collected by Saint Luke's over the last two years was 7,500+ pounds. Nearly $5,000 was raised to support UCM's anti-hunger initiatives, including the purchase of healthy, perishable items, such as fresh eggs.
We alsoappreciate the significant funds donated every year by the Saint Luke's Outreach Committee. This has included proceeds from the annual Fall Festival, community Spaghetti Dinner, and the spring British-Style Car Boot Rummage Sale. Every summer, the church generously donates new backpacks filled with school supplies to the UCM Early Learning Center for Pre-K students who are leaving for Kindergarten. "The stuffed backpacks are always a big hit with the students and families," says Torria Baker, Center Director. "It is such a thoughtful and welcome gesture of kindness."
"All of us at UCM -- and especially our client families -- are truly grateful for the dedication and support of everyone at Saint Luke's to help vulnerable neighbors in need," says Alison DeCourcey, UCM Executive Director. "Every year, their generosity puts food on the tables of more than 4,000 families in crisis, an average 500 families each week. That support means these families can share meals around their tables and have the nourishment they need as they build better lives for themselves. The supplemental groceries that UCM provides helps ensure that adults have the sustenance they need to stay focused and strive to succeed in the workforce, and that children have the nourishment they need to learn and thrive."
Thank you to Reverand Tuck Bowerfind, the Outreach Committee, and everyone at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church!
(UCM E-news, Sept. 2017)
Thank you to Reverand Tuck Bowerfind, the Outreach Committee, and everyone at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church!
(UCM E-news, Sept. 2017)
