Annual Nativity Almsgiving Project
Dear Friends & Family in Christ,
The Nativity Fast has now begun. As always in the tradition of Orthodox Christianity, the Church Fasting Seasons are intended to prepare and call us into a deeper experience of God; of Christ our Savior. We are consistently taught by the Father's and Mother's of the Church that these three things - Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving - must always come hand in hand. Together, they reflect the wholeness of our desire to more fully enter into the life of Christ which we "put on" with our Baptism into His saving Life.
Each year, St. George the Great Martyr Orthodox Christian Church collects, sorts and distributes items for the Annual Nativity Almsgiving Project. We will be continuing in our long-standing tradition of taking donated items to the wonderful "Casa Amparo" Girl's Orphanage which is under the care of some very devoted Roman Catholic Nuns in Reynosa, Mexico. In addition, items are also shared with participants in our St. George's Food Pantry.
CASH DONATIONS WELCOMED!!! We are happy to receive donations specified for this project. With them, we can then go shop for any items which are still needed. Remember that All Donations to
WHAT IS NEEDED? Sometimes "Dollar Stores" or places like "Big Lots" will have appropriate things for sale very inexpensively. Also watch for store sales such as "Buy One/Get One Free." Donations of the following items are needed:
FOODS - Non-perishables in bulk quantities, such as pinto beans, rice, masa & such. Non-perishables in smaller quantities (for individuals or family usage). Canned or packaged food goods of any type. Durable Produce, which doesn't need refrigeration, such as potatoes, garlic or onions.
CANDY - A variety of single-serving wrapped American-style candies or gums. We will mix these candies up and put them into little packets or bags for the children.
TOILETRIES & PERSONAL GROOMING - Toothbrushes & Toothpaste, Hairbrushes, Combs & other Grooming Items, Hair Barrettes & Ties, Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, etc.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES - Paper, pencils, notebooks, spirals, crayons, colored pencils, glue, tape, anything else!
MEDICATIONS - Over-the-counter medications or herbal, but most especially Aspirin, Cough Drops, Cough Syrup, Children's Multi Vitamins, Adult Multi Vitamins, Vitamin C, etc., as well as any other medications or samples!
BABY ITEMS - All sizes of baby diapers, mild shampoo, lotions, baby blankets, etc.
DONATION BOXES: Please bring or ship donations to St. George's Church anytime between now and Christmas. Place donations in the designated boxes in the Parish Hall.
BECOME A COLLECTION SITE PARTNER! Set up a Collection Site in your Church, Business or Organization! Ask us how!
DELIVERY TO ORPHANAGE: Sometime during the week after the Feast of the Nativity, we sort the donations and take them to the Orphanage in
THANK YOU for your help, donations and prayers towards making this project a great success. Giving is a reflection of the love for Christ and the concern we share for those who are in need of the many things which we so often take for granted. Let me know if you have questions or if you would like to help out or make a donation.
