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Service and Outreach in Actio
his past autumn, our St. Philip Neri faith community participated in several service opportunities and outreach initiatives that, especially in this time of COVID, had a profound impact on both our parish and local communities. As we proceed into Lent, let us consider the importance of almsgiving during this penitential season and reflect on how we may continue to share our gifts with those in need. The Angel Tree Gift Drive The COVID-19 pandemic changed how we worship, interact, and serve. Of course, this also meant that our 2020 Angel Tree Gift Drive looked a
bit different from past years. And while this year’s drive was held virtually — via the SignUpGenius platform — rather than with the traditional tags on the tree, participants still gave to those in need through various Angel Tree initiatives. These included children’s gifts, heating bill relief for area residents, gift cards for senior residents in subsidized housing, and funding for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. We thank all those who participated in the 2020 Angel Tree Gift Drive, which meant that we could still connect with our wider community, even if we couldn’t be together in-person.
St. Philip Neri Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Over the years, our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive has continued to be a successful initiative — but in 2020, it certainly proved to be an essential form of outreach. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, families were facing tremendous challenges in keeping food on the table, and we needed to help. So, between Nov. 19 and 22, our community collected and delivered 10,360 pounds of food to the Fort Mill Care Center. We are so grateful for your generosity during this year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive!
