"Preach
     the Gospel
       always, and
    when necessary
    use words"
-St Francis of Assisi-
St. Francis HOME
Social Ministry
St. Vincent de Paul

 
Thanksgiving Day
The Thursday in November
Thanksgiving Day FREE Meal for the Hungry is Served At these two locations:  

 
  • Cottage Inn - 512 E. William, Ann Arbor (663-3379) open to the needy & homeless from 10:30AM - 2PM on Thanksgiving day.  Volunteers are offered two work shifts.  Volunteers call 663-3379.

    •  
  • The Bistro Bar and Grill - 4735 Washtenaw Ave, (between Carpenter and Golfside), (734-572-0912). 

    •      Volunteers needed.  Volunteers call 572-0912.

     
    Serve A Meal for the Hungry!

      Help provide meals for the hungry with Food Gatherers' Community Kitchen, located in the new Delonis Center, Shelter, 312 W. Huron, Ann Arbor, MI.   To volunteer:
    • Contact:  Eric Marria at Food Gatherers  (734-761-2796). 
    • Or, Fill Out the Following Volunteer Form and click the "Submit" button at least one week  before your commitment date.   This service project is organized by Food Gatherers and Eric Marria at Food Gatherers  (734-761-2796) will contact you before the service date to confirm your commitment!
    • (Volunteers need to be at least 12 years old, and have permission or be accompanied by a parent if under 18.)
    Food Gatherers' needs St. Francis Parish Members to continue to help fight hunger in our community through the Community Kitchen and through the Food Rescue/Food Bank program.   You are welcome to help on any dates/times. 
    Learn more about Food Gatherers at: www.foodgatherers.org/

    Traditionally a crew from St. Francis Parish has served every third Friday evening of the month.   Of course, volunteers are welcome to help on any dates/times.    If you have any Questions our St. Francis Parish contact person is:  Bridget McGillicuddy (665-9549) .

     
    Volunteer Application - Online Sign-Up
    To Serve Supper for the Hungry!
    Twelve (12) volunteers (6 per shift) are needed for each meal.
        Name:

         Telephone:(Home# Work# Day# Evening#)

         E-mail Address:
    I WILL HELP with Food Gatherers' Community Kitchen, located in the new Delonis Center, Shelter, 312 W. Huron, on:
    __A Third Friday Evening of the Month, (date) .
    -         __Cook & Set-up 3-5PM.   /   __Serve & Clean-up 5-7PM.

    __Any day/time (date) .
    -         __Cook & Set-up 3-5PM.   /   __Serve & Clean-up 5-7PM.

    (Shifts on weekends are a little bit different, they run from 12-2:30 or from 2:30-5pm.)
    Signing up for a particular day does not guarantee placement.  We will do our best to accommodate, but, if the volunteer slots are filled, other arrangements need to be made.
    I WILL HELP with Food Gatherers' Food Rescue/Food Bank program .
    List Dates & Other Times that You are Availible Here:
    Questions contact: Bridget McGillicuddy (665-9549) .
    Questions about information on this page should be directed to  , Parish Social Ministry Director, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Ann Arbor, MI. 

    Meals for the Hungry in Ann Arbor 

                    February 4, 2007, FORUM Testimonial
    Our first experience helping to serve dinner to the working poor and homeless occurred in 2001 when dinner was being served at St. Mary's Student Parish.  We had moved to Pittsfield Township, joined St. Francis Parish and wanted to become involved in the parish and community.  Participating in the parish and community in this way has been a wonderful experience and opportunity to learn, grow, give and receive:  I've learned that there are hard working people who simply do not earn enough to provide for all of their basic needs. 
    The growth has come in being able to look past the first impression and recognize the multi-dimensional personalities of the people who come for dinner regardless of outward appearance.  I've learned that we all have the need to give, as I've watched the people who come for dinner reaching out to help others at their tables who are unable to come through the line to receive their meal. 

    I can best sum up the receive aspect from the second time we served a meal.  As my husband and I were leaving St. Mary's, there was a group of men who had finished eating and were standing outside.  They thanked us for being there.  To this day I regret that I did not say what was in my heart.  I wanted to say to them, "No, thank you.  We are new to this community and feel very alone and disconnected, and your acknowledgement makes us feel welcome." 

    I believe that we are all in need in some way and that we all have something to give and share.  The third Friday of every month at the Delonis Center from 3:00 - 7:30 p.m. is an opportunity to meet those needs. 
      by Christine Parlett