Among the ways we reach out to care for those in need, both "in our neighborhood" and far away , , ,
- Arm2Arm is a non-profit organization dedicated to "making a difference in the lives of Haitian immigrants in the Dominican Republic" In addition to individual donations, the parish held a fundraising dinner featuring Haitian food which raised about $1,000.
- Cornerstone is a Vernon-based "faith ministry with a mission to keep all people safe, fed, housed and clothed. We provide help to the community with a community kitchen, three shelters, a food pantry, clothing bank, community center, diaper bank, and many vital annual initiatives." The produce of the church's garden is blessed at a Sunday liturgy each week in season and then contributed to Cornerstone, parishioners volunteer to cook a meal on every weekend, and various fundraisers are also donated to Cornerstone. Current opportunities to volunteer can be found at https://www.cornerstone-cares.org/volunteeropportunities,
- Hawkwing "For more than twenty years, Hawkwing has served the people of Cheyenne River Sioux/Lakota Tribe (CRST) in South Dakota. It works to empower the People of CRST to enhance health and education, end hunger, bring clean water, and empower individuals to overcome generational repression through programs focused on personal and community development. Its vision is that the People of Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe get the chance to live healthy, fulfilling lives free of generational trauma and hardship while building better relationships among all people. With programs from micro-grants to major projects, Hawkwing has impacted the lives of nearly every person on CRST. Hawkwing is changing lives, healing hearts." St. John's has regularly donated clothing, toys for the children at Christmas, money and weekly prayers.
- MACC Charities is "a Manchester-based non-profit with the mission of building partnerships to break cycles of poverty in our community." Prior to their merger with St. John's, the members of St. Mary's Church have been actively involved with MACC Charities by involvement in the Seasonal Sharing program, a food drive at Thanksgiving and Christmas for which the church provided holiday meals and groceries for each family for each holiday. At Christmas gifts were provided for each family member. MACC typically referred 30 to 35 families to St. Mary's for the program. Members donated large quantities of non-perishable food , money for the committee to purchase fresh vegetables and dairy products and at Christmas gifts were given for each of the family members. During Lent another food collection was done by the congregation and delivered to the MACC-operated food pantry in time for Easter dinner. Members of St. Mary 's also volunteer at the soup kitchen, the food pantry, the Thrift Shop and by serving as a delegate on the MACC board.
Descriptions courtesy of each organization's website