St. John Catholic School & Church Partners with Local Social Services Center to Deliver Thanksgiving Meals
St. John Catholic School & Church Partners with Local Social Services Center to Deliver Thanksgiving Meals
Valdosta, GA – Saint John the Evangelist Catholic School (SJCS) and Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church (SJCC) recently collected more than 700 pounds of canned goods and food items to deliver to families in the Valdosta area this Thanksgiving. This year, the school and church partnered with St. Francis Center, a Catholic social services center in Valdosta, to deliver all the fixings for a holiday meal to 82 families.
“Each year the SJCS community generously donates canned vegetables, boxed stuffing and more to spread the holiday spirit,” said SJCS Principal Vito Pellitteri. “It’s more than just giving them a meal, it’s showing them our love.”
Collecting of the canned food items as well as whole frozen chickens, took place at the School, Church and Religious Education programs and students prepared the bags for distribution. Approximately 20 volunteers began delivering the meals over the past weekend and will continue delivering throughout the week, leading up to Thanksgiving.
“This partnership is a perfect example of everyone working together to bring the light of Christ to others during this time of thanksgiving,” said SJCC Director of Outreach, Sister Nuala Mulleady.
The St. Francis Center, located at 520 E Mary Street in Valdosta, assists families in need with their utility bills through the sale of gently used clothing, household goods and kitchen items in their thrift shop. The Center is staffed by volunteers and assists approximately 4,000 families each year. For more information about the St. Francis Center, call 229-242-8656.