Help your local Catholic Charities office meet community needs
To help your children understand what Catholic Charities does and who they serve, arrange for a tour of the local office. They can help families learn how to incorporate faith action into everyday life, not just Christmas.
Coordinators at the deanery offices said they have immediate needs, mostly food, and ongoing needs such as toiletries, diapers and clothing. One item few people think of but which is high on the wish list is grocery bags. Instead of throwing away plastic or paper bags, or even putting them in recycling bins, take them to your local food pantry.
Coastal Deanery
The most pressing need here is food items for the new senior pantry. Helen O’Leary, regional coordinator, said they are especially low on canned meat and fish items such as ham, spam, tuna or salmon. Donations may be taken to 3921 St. John’s Ave., North Charleston, or call (843) 308-9361.
Lowcountry Deanery
The Dismas Thrift Store in Beaufort needs donations, said Deacon James Hyland. It helps support children who are the victims of crime, including those whose parents are incarcerated. Families can visit the thrift store at 242 Robert Smalls Parkway, or call (843) 379-5330 for ways to help.
Midlands Deanery
The Midlands office at 1529 Assembly St., Columbia, runs a clothing closet for the homeless. They need new underwear, socks, hats and gloves, said Mary Gohean, coordinator. Call (803) 254-9776.
Pee Dee Deanery
Daryl Kangarloo, regional coor dinator, listed food as the top necessity. She encouraged families to hold neighborhood food drives and take the donations to a local food pantry. The Pee Dee office is at 407 Blossom St., Conway, or call (843) 488-2112.
Piedmont Deanery
Deacon Gabriel Cuervo is the regional and Hispanic outreach coordinator. The office is located at 204 Douthit St., Suite A1, Greenville, or call (864) 242-2233.
For more information, visit www.catholic-doc.org
and look for Catholic Charities under diocesan departments.
See also Teach your children the gift of giving and Free ways to help.