This ministry was established on July 8, 2009 and is now located in the former parish hall of St. Thomas Aquinas church. The mission of the Charity Center is to provide assistance to the needy in the communities of Adams, Cheshire and Savoy.
The people who come to the Charity Center are the elderly who are trying to survive on a social security check, the poor who may have very little, and more recently, families who have lost a job and are attempting to survive on an unemployment check. It takes courage for some to come and ask for assistance. We have found evidence of this, particularly with those who have lost employment and have never had to seek help before. In an effort to make the process go as smoothly as we can for those already in a difficult situation, our only criteria for receiving assistance is that the person/family have proof of residence within the communities that we serve.
Since the Charity Center opened its doors, we have provided food, clothing and baby products at no cost to over 1200 households. The ability to be able to do this is due to the generosity of our parishioners and the many organizations and businesses which have contributed clothing, baby products and financial assistance to support our efforts.
Back-to-School Backpacks
In addition to our weekly services we have a program in August which fills backpacks with all the necessary school supplies for the children of our clients. It makes going back to school a little less stressful.
Angels Come at Christmas Time
In December we call on our Angels to spread some joy. Christmas trees in our churches are decorated with Angels bearing wish lists. Parishioners and friends take an Angel and fulfill a wish by purchasing gifts for the child who made their request known through the Angels resting on the Christmas tree.
The Charity Center operates every Wednesday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Anyone having items to donate may bring them to the Charity Center on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 3:30 – 4 p.m.