St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Ferguson collecting food donations

ST. LOUIS - Nov. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (http://saint-stephens.info/) in Ferguson is collaborating with a host of area churches to offer a variety of services in response to the current challenges in the community. Located at 33 North Clay in Ferguson, St. Stephen’s will be distributing and accepting food donations to help people in the Ferguson community who are in need of food.

People who are interested in donating food or volunteering to organize and distribute food with the pantry should contact: 314-521-0138 or episcopalians@gmail.com.

St Stephen’s will be accepting nonperishable food and toiletry items from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. Other drop-off times can be arranged by contacting the church.

During the past unrest in Ferguson, St. Stephen’s saw an increase in people who needed food.

“Our pantry was nearly empty as we were unable to get food through our normal channels in August after the Michael Brown shooting and following unrest,” said St. Stephen’s Father Steve Lawler. “After a story aired on local media our pantry was overflowing with nonperishable food and household items from donors. It was an incredible outpouring of generosity.”

Lawler continued, “We’ve seen an increase in need since August, and now that it’s colder out, the need will continue to grow as it’s harder for some people to leave their homes during winter weather. With the approaching grand jury announcement we anticipate greater immediate needs in our community as people face the possibility of closed stores, buses not running and children being home and therefore away from school meals.”

The pantry is located in the back of the church with access from the parking lot. The pantry is open from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday when food supplies and weather permit.

St. Stephen’s church services, open to all, are: Sundays at 8 and 10 a.m. for Eucharist and 5 p.m. for a Celtic inspired service and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. for a Service of Healing.

About St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is a gathered people who are each trying to answer the big questions, do the simple things and live life in ways that have us in right relationship with God, our self, one another other and the Creation. St. Stephen’s motto is collaboration, community and conversation equals change. For more information go online to saint-stephens.info or call (314) 521-0138.