This giving season, Saint Matthew’s invites you to share the joy of the holidays with those in our community. Our Outreach Committee has three special opportunities to give: in October, we’ll collect Thanksgiving meal items for Matthew’s Crossing to provide holiday dinners for families in need; in November, we’ll gather gift cards for Helen’s Hope Chest so teens in foster care feel remembered and celebrated at Christmas; and on the first two Sundays of Advent, we’ll collect used children’s books to provide books to the Chandler community at the upcoming Walk4Unity. Monetary donations are always welcome to support these efforts, and physical items can be brought to our Narthex while each drive is active. Let’s come together to brighten the season for those who need it most.
As in previous years, monetary donations are welcome in lieu of or in addition to physical items. Financial contributions can be made via cash or check - please note the organization on the memo line. Donations can also be made online or via Outreach in Amplify.
OCTOBER - Matthew’s Crossing
You've been incredible supporters of Matthew's Crossing and their Thanksgiving Meal program, and we're asking for your help once more. Our goal this year is to collect items to provide 300 meals to families in need.
Thanksgiving Sides Needed:
Brownie Mix
Cranberry Sauce
Green Beans (14oz cans)
Mashed Potatoes (13.7oz box)
Stuffing
Turkey or Chicken Gravy Packets (no glass, please)
Yams (29oz cans)
As in previous years, monetary donations are welcome in lieu of or in addition to food items. Financial contributions can be made online or via cash or check - please note Matthew’s Crossing on the memo line.
Donate now through 10/27
NOVEMBER - Helen’s Hope Chest
This Christmas, let’s make sure no teen in foster care feels forgotten. Of the nearly 14,000 children in Arizona’s foster system, many are teenagers who often don’t receive as much attention during the holidays. Together, we can help make this a Christmas to remember!
Helen’s Hope Chest has shared a wish list of the gift cards teens love most. Shopping couldn’t be easier—simply pick up one or more cards (suggested amounts of $10 or $25), write the value on it, and hang it on the Christmas tree in the narthex. Sharpies will be available near the tree for your convenience.
The tree will be up for the first four weeks of November so that Helen’s can begin distributing gifts in early December to the many families they serve.
Gift Card Suggestions:
Variety Stores: Target, Walmart
Clothing Stores: Kohl’s, Tilly’s, Torrid
Restaurants (Fast Food): Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Subway, Taco Bell
Cosmetic Stores: Bath & Body Works, Ulta
Sports Stores: Big 5, Dick’s
Let’s fill the tree with generosity and joy—and brighten Christmas for teens in foster care this year!
Donate now through 12/1
December - Share the Gift of Reading this Advent
Saint Matthew’s is collecting used children’s books to support the ninth annual, Walk4Unity: UN Human Rights Day, presented by Chandler4Change!
On the first two Sundays of Advent, November 29 and December 6, please bring your gently used children’s books and place them in the blue donation bin in our narthex. Your donations will help provide books to community members at this special event, which promotes the idea that everyday essentials are a human right.
Save the date for the ninth annual, Walk4Unity on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler, AZ 85225. The celebration will include entertainment, informational booths, snacks, and a community walk along Arizona Avenue to raise awareness of human rights both locally and around the world. Nonperishable food, household products, and children’s books will be distributed to support community needs.
Please note: we are not collecting monetary donations for this drive