Good Sam Outreach

GOOD SAM OUTREACH
WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024
Good Sam Outreach keeps an eye on community needs and proposals for assistance. There are many
and the generous people of St. Paul’s consistently respond. Some needs are met due to a one-time ask
and others are on-going. Thank you, parishioners! Read on for a sample and synopsis.
Each year, a Christmas “Giving Tree” is sponsored by Good Sam and this year you donated clothing
suitable for children and 105 families at Corpus Christi church received these gifts. That is a lot of socks,
shirts, etc. AND, the collection for fuel assistance topped $1250. Surely this will help several families be
able to stay warmer during these cold winter months.
This year we will again sponsor the Lenten Food Drive with donations slated for Sister Regis Food
Cupboard, Eastern Services Workers, St. Joseph's House of Hospitality, Webster Hope, Webster Backpack and Williamson Come-Unity. Look for the insert in the February 10/11 bulletin with the full list of requested items.
Remember Hope House? St. Paul’s has donated food, clothing and more for years to Webster Hope
where it all began -- and was started by a St. Paul’s parishioner. Now there are additional “Hopes” in
Penfield and another called Rochester Hope. We were invited to assist Rochester Hope with a clothing
drive in November and you provided three (3) carloads of clothing for their needs. This clothing is for
the refugees living in the downtown Rochester area. Webster Hope is always looking for volunteers to stock the food shelves and a current need is for folks to sort the donated clothing. Visit their website at websternyhope.org for more information and details about their annual Garage Sale. The specific food needs for Webster Hope are published in the church bulletin.
Angels of Mercy on Winton Road received additional clothing suitable for women who are getting back
into the world of work. This request was quite specific and once again generosity prevailed.
Webster Comfort Care is truly a source of pride in our community. For over 20 years, they have provided services without charge to families and they receive no government or insurance payments. They rely on donations, fundraisers, and VOLUNTEERS. Training is provided and there is always a need for more to provide housekeeping, resident care, gardening, someone with graphic artist skills, an expert user of social media and a “fix-it” person. If you own a screwdriver and know how to use it, please consider contacting them for more information at 585-872-5290. Ask for Ruth for any interest in any of the above.
“Souper Bowl 2024” is an interesting fundraiser for Webster Comfort Care, which is coming soon: please
visit webstercomfortcare.org and note that early sign-up by Feb. 4 is required. Other upcoming
fundraisers are also listed on that website.
Catholic Charities Family Center continues their work resettling immigrants arriving in Rochester. The
immediate need is for volunteers to help set-up apartments for the incoming refugees. Set-ups usually
entail 3 hours of putting away items that have been delivered. This can be a one-time service or
something that can be done as your time allows. Upcoming dates and more information from
kara.phillips@fcscharities.org. NEW: Catholic Charities Family and Community Service (CCFCS’s Refugee
& Immigration Services) has a website listing all on-going needs for assistance. For instance, a sewing volunteer and a person to help navigate technology are recently listed. Check often. Or phone
585-546-7220.
Saint’s Place has supplied items CCFC needs to set up households and clothing for arriving refugees and
immigrants. Especially valued are twin sheets, blankets, comforters, other linens, and small furniture
items. Also, warm clothing in all sizes. Items can be dropped off at 45 S. Main St. in Pittsford. For more
information, call 585-385-6860.
Webster Backpack provides over 100 bags each week to children in the seven Webster elementary
schools. These bags provide much needed weekend food and the Backpack is one of the recipients of
our Lenten Food Drive. Donations are greatly appreciated any time (peanut butter, jelly, pasta and
sauce, tuna, granola bars, canned soup, fruit, etc.) and can be left at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 131
Main St. in Webster.
As you read of all the activity, please note the many instances of community support for our neighbors.
These efforts are a testament to those who “Love their neighbors as themselves.”
Even closer to us at St. Paul’s is the continuing need for volunteers right in our parish: Greeters, Ushers,
Sacristans, Java Café and more. Good Sam also welcomes new members! Sharing your time and talents
is a treasure that cannot be purchased.
Please watch for the next quarterly update coming in the spring.