Sharing with neighbors

St. Paul people will have the opportunity to support two food pantries on the weekend of May 11 & 12 with donations of nonperishable food, toiletries, diapers & wipes, and feminine hygiene products.

The effort is an expansion of St. Paul’s annual ingatherings – increasing the number from two to three, as well as the items gathered. The St. Paul congregational council approved the effort earlier this year.

First, a little bit of history.

For many years, the people of St. Paul, twice a year, have gathered food and toiletries for the Friendly House Food Pantry. The collections in August and November fill the shelves of the pantry, which serves the people in west central Davenport. But it became clear that a gap existed – that between November and the following August, there was an opportunity for a third gathering.

Meanwhile, a handful of St. Paul people started ministries of their own. Two women, Amy Philip and Sara Harless, gather diapers and wipes to give to the families served at the Madison Market. A husband and wife team, Bruce and Susan Simmons, gathered feminine hygiene products for women at the Madison Market.

Going into the summer months can be a more difficult time for families – kids home from school means an increased need for food and other supplies. Additionally, benefits available to families with low incomes do not pay for items such as toiletries, diapers, wipes, or feminine hygiene products.

And now, the specifics. What can St. Paul people do?

On the weekend of May 11-12, bring your choice of items listed to the left. Brown paper grocery bags will be handed out at worship the weekend before as a reminder. To make a monetary donation, indicate “food pantry” on the check memo line or envelope. Not able to be here that weekend? Special shelves, built just for this purpose, are located in the coat area near the central staircase and moms’ nursing room. Drop off items any time in the specially marked shelves, and St. Paul staff will make sure they arrive safely in the hands of those who need it.

Questions? Contact Ann McGlynn, ann@stpaulqc.org.

Madison Market needs
■ Diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5)
■ Baby wipes
■ Tampons (regular & super)
■ Pads (regular & super)
■ Flushable wipes
■ One-gallon Ziploc bags

Friendly House needs
■ Soups
■ Mac & cheese
■ Canned meat
(chicken & tuna)
■ Cereal
■ Peanut butter & jelly
■ Canned fruits &
vegetables
■ Toilet paper
■ Bar & laundry soap

About Madison Market
Madison Market is a River Bend Foodbank school pantry located in the J.B. Young Opportunity Center in Davenport, serving Madison Elementary school children and their families. Led and staffed by an enthusiastic and loving crew of St. Paul people, this partnership serves hundreds of people each month. It is one part of St. Paul’s partnership with the people of Madison.

About Friendly House Food Pantry
Friendly House offers programs for preschool-aged children through senior citizens who face challenges associated with lack of income. The Friendly House food pantry is open to Davenport residents living west of Harrison Street, south of Kimberly Road to 8th Street and east of Division Street. It is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. –1 p.m.