Outreach happens when a group of parishioners come together in support of community services around the San Diego area. Saint John’s Outreach activities are many and varied and touch the people of the South Bay, the Diocese of San Diego and the world at large. Locally, we work closely with the South Bay Community Services (SBCS). On an ongoing basis, we support their Food Bank, their Domestic Violence Shelter (with blankets and other supplies), and its Preschool (craft supplies). Saint John’s Church also runs an annual Thanksgiving and Christmas campaign on behalf of SBCS. Saint John’s is a founding member of the Service and Justice Coalition, a Diocesan group of about 30 parishes that meet quarterly to discuss their various outreach programs. Members share ideas and may decide to join forces to work on a project together to increase its effectiveness.
Grocery collection for South Bay Community Services will resume when the church reopens. If you would like to help during the pandemic, here are some options: Donate Snacks to Uptown Safe Haven- The ECS Uptown Safe Haven clients love snacks and treats as they shelter in place together. You can send treats via Amazon or drop them by the house and leave them on the doorstep. Address for mailing or dropping off snacks: Uptown Safe Haven, Attn: Christina Zeman/UTSH Staff 2822 5th Ave. San Diego, CA 92103. Volunteer with Head Start Food Distribution Program - ECS Head Start preschool programs are closed, but we are distributing food to families Tuesday through Friday, 9:15am to 12:30pm, each week and are looking for volunteers to help! This is taking place outside in South Bay, families drive by to get bags of food, and safety precautions are in place. Volunteer roles include helping with set up, break down, directing traffic, and handing bags to families through car windows. For more info about any of these ECS activities, please contact Deann Rios at 619-694-9892 or drios@ecscalifornia.org. Volunteer applications: https://www.ecscalifornia.org/volunteer
GROCERY LIST FOR SOUTH BAY COMMUNITY SERVICES
Help us fill the grocery cart for South Bay Community Services! Our featured item for April is cereals, powdered and canned milk.
The following items are always welcome: Dry and canned beans Boxed potatoes Rice, pasta, mac & cheese Canned meat or fish and can openers Cereals, powdered and canned milk Canned fruit and vegetables Soup, ramen noodles and crackers Canned stews and spaghetti-o's Peanut butter and jelly
You may also make a donation by cash or check, and we will do the shopping for you. Please make checks out to Saint John's, and mark the check or envelope "SBCS."
OTHER OUTREACH EFFORTS There are a number of other projects and programs that individuals or small groups from St John's are involved in. Blessing of Pets in October Episcopal Community Services Eye glass recycling Interfaith Shelter Network Mission to Seafarers New Blanket Ministry Pill Bottle Ministry Prayer Quilt Ministry Toys for Tots