“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” 
—Winston Churchill

While the opportunities to serve the less fortunate abound this time of year, our St. Stephens Parish Family is committed to supporting the good works of four local organizations and their Christmas projects. 
Below are organizations and how you and your family can become involved in their mighty deeds for the needy among us!
Additional details/flyers for these projects are available on the bulletin board in the atrium. 

Christmas for Kids Toy Drive Campaign
Hosted by the Warwick Valley Knights of Columbus

The K of C are collecting new, unwrapped toys until the third week of December. The toys will be distributed to area children, including to children served by the Warwick Area Migrant Committee. A collection box is in the atrium, under the bulletin board (decorated in red wrapping paper - see photo above. 
 

Catholic Charities Giving Tree Program
Hosted by Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster Counties

St. Stephens has acquired 250 gift items requested by Catholic Charities for their Giving Tree Program. The requested items are on ornament gift tags on the Christmas trees in the atrium. Please take one or more ornaments, purchase the requested item(s) and return the unwrapped item with the ornament gift tag attached to the area behind the bulletin board in the atrium. All items should be returned no later than Sunday, December 15. The gifts will be picked up by Catholic Charities and delivered to their Newburgh office. Gifts are sorted and then distributed to their client families. The parents are able to wrap the gifts themselves for their children. 
For more information, contact Mary at mjuliano@ststephenchurchwarwick.org. 

Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry

 We are asking for bags of shelf stable groceries to help provide the basics for a holiday meal. Families who use the pantry will receive a bag for Christmas.
Donors need not provide all items on the list, if their budget does not permit it. Alternatively, donors may combine their contributions for a bag or bags. We ask that you provide only the items listed, in the sizes specified. Pantry volunteers will check donations to insure that families receive bags with the same items. We encourage you to deliver as early as possible. 
The list of requested items and sizes can be viewed here. 

The Pantry gratefully will receive ShopRite or Price Chopper gift cards, or monetary donations, to help offset our own cost of purchasing groceries for the program. ShopRite and Price Chopper gift cards can be purchased at the St. Stephens Church Office. Mail to the address below, Attention: Holiday Program or make a donation at our website, www.warwickpantry.com.
 

Warwick Area Migrant Committee and the Alamo
Christmas Store

The Warwick Area Migrant Committee and Alamo is requesting new items for their Christmas store. Donations are priced at less than 25% of their value. Farmworkers who are registered with the organization are given appointments to come shop for their family at the Christmas Store on December 21 and 22. Click here for the suggested gift items. Donations should be dropped off at The Alamo, 890 Pulaski Highway, Goshen, by December 18. 
Volunteers are also needed for setting up and closing the store, making ornaments, greeting families and setting up photos.  Please download the document below for additional information. 
If you would like to volunteer for an activity, or a day, please contact the Alamo at 845-838-7015 or email Kathy Brieger at kbrieger@hrhcare.org.