Matthew 25: 35. For I was hungry and you fed me….
The people of St. Luke have a long tradition of working to feed our neighbors on campuses, in the Ithaca community, and in the larger world here and abroad. The LEAD team, the Social Ministry Committee, and the Confirmation class are joining our efforts to coordinate the three major arms of food availability that are currently active in our ministry. The following are brief introductions to those programs, look for more in-depth descriptions in the weeks to follow.
The Red Wagon: St. Luke has a decades long history of working with the Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard, which is a food pantry housed downtown in the Salvation Army building. Social Ministry keeps a Red Wagon in the narthex to gather donations. Although any non-perishable, shelf stable foods are welcome, there is a monthly request for items suggested as needs by the Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard. The specific request this month (February) is for condiments.
The Blue Cabinet: The cabinets are a county wide project that literally places blue cabinets in public spaces, upon request. Everyone is invited to take or leave food items, depending upon who has, and who needs. Ours will be the first one in Collegetown, and neighborhood businesses and organizations have shown a willingness to contribute. There is a list of suggested items posted on the Blue Cabinet which is currently in the narthex.
Code Blue Shelter: This is a seasonal State program that provides cold temperature shelter, warming, and food to the homeless. There are many needs and opportunities to help with food at the shelter. It was decided that what would fit best with our food collection program, would be things like the juice boxes (100% juice, please) and breakfast/cereal bars, both of which are urgently needed. If you would like to donate either of these, they can be left in either the Red Wagon or the Blue Cabinet and they will be taken to the shelter.
There will be many opportunities for help in gathering, sorting, and maintaining supplies. We’ll keep you posted about all the interesting possibilities!
If you would like to make a donation, make the check payable to St Luke and write “Feeding Our Neighbors “ in the memo line.
The intention is to make this an on going program. Help us by sending ideas to Pastor Jason, Erik, or anyone on either the LEAD or Social Ministry committees.
