Toiletry Bags Update- Last weekend a group of parishioners helped to make 470 toiletry bags for people in need in homeless shelters or on the street. This past week most of the bags were delivered. The director of the homeless shelter at Grasslands, Charlene, said they did not have enough toiletries on hand for all the people who needed some, so our gift of 100 toiletry bags was "a blessing from above!" She was so very grateful for our donation, and planned to hand them out that afternoon.

Dale at Midnight Run was also so grateful to all our parishioners, and said several Runs going out during the week would be handing them out to folks they met on the streets of NYC. On Sunday more of the bags were dropped off at Open Arms Men's Shelter in White Plains, as well as Samaritan House Women's Shelter. Staff at both places were so happy to receive our toiletries, as the need is great and they just don't have enough for all.

So thanks so much to all who donate travel sized toiletries!! We collect them year round. If anyone is interested, you can purchase these items (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, deodorant....) in bulk from a site like Amazon and donate them to Social Concerns. They will be put to great use!! All donations should be left in the green Social Concerns bins in the church vestibules.

Thanks so much to all our parishioners who helped sort and bag toiletries for the homeless last Saturday. About 26 parishioners helped to put together 470 toiletry bags!! Fantastic!! Our efforts will be helping 470 individuals in need!!

Each bag contained a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, razor, shaving cream, soap, shampoo, conditioner, comb, washcloth and lotion. The bags will be given to the homeless shelter at Grasslands, to the soup kitchen at St. Bart's, Midnight Run in Dobbs Ferry, Open Arms Men's Shelter, and Samaritan House Women's Shelter, where the toiletries will be distributed by staff. The toiletry bags are much needed and greatly appreciated.

We ended our sort with a prayer by Deacon Tom. Thanks Deacon Tom!! Many thanks to all who helped!!