On Sunday, April 14th, SAint Matthew’s will be collecting items to support the Assistance League of the East Valley, which has several major programs:
Their Operation School Bell program works with school districts in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe to identify children most in need at Title I schools. Target “store dressings” allow children to select new t-shirts, shorts, shoes and other basic clothing and school supplies at the beginning of the school year. If a child attends a school that requires a uniform, the child receives a new uniform along with school supplies. Teens identified as homeless or “Youth on their Own” are also assisted with clothing, hygiene kits and school essentials.
Assault Survivor Kits, which contain sized basic clothing, are supplied to 10 community crisis organizations, along with snacks and other items not in their normal budgets. These kits provide a person with underwear, shorts, a t-shirt, flip flops and hygiene supplies so that they have something to wear after a traumatic experience whether it be an assault, a house fire, or an accident.
Scholarships are provided to East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) graduates to pursue two years of post-secondary education.
In 2022-2023, Assistance League provided 6530 school-age children and teens with clothing, shoes, school uniforms, school supplies, and other essentials. Additionally, 3827 children and adults in crisis received clothing, hygiene kits, and other items. Twelve students from EVIT received college scholarships.
You may wonder how they raise the money to provide all of this community support. They run a Thrift Shop on Alma School Road, between Warner and Ray (not far from Saint Matthew’s), that is coordinated and run by an army of volunteers. They are a remarkable group of hardworking and dedicated community members who put caring and commitment into action. SMEC’s Outreach Committee hopes you will consider supporting their efforts. The most needed items are:
Jewelry
Men’s and women’s gently used clothing and accessories
Housewares
Books for children and young adults
Monetary donations
April is a great time for spring cleaning! Please bring your gently-used items in a trash bag or other container. We will have several vehicles in the parking lot before and after each service on April 14th to collect your donations. Monetary donations can be made via check in the collection plate or online at the following link. Thank you!