GRACE OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Opportunities to Support and Volunteer
As Christians, we follow the example of Jesus Christ to offer respectful, neighborly love to others, and that is the heart of all of Grace Ministry. Each of us is called to ministry, and we offer opportunities to others to come share in ministry with us.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Schedule
Grace Food Pantry, Clothing Ministry, and Assistance services
Food Distribution: Open the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Tuesdays from 8:30 am – 10:00 am. Volunteers arrive before 8:15 for job assignment.
Food Delivery: Usually the 2nd Monday of the month 8:00-9:30 am. Volunteers arrive by 8:00 am.
Location: Grace Church, 5712 First Avenue North (58th Street door at ramp)
Send email to DeaconMarti@gracechurchwoodlawn.org to request to be added to the reminder texts
Laundry Love:
1st Tuesday of each month, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Imperial Cleaners, 5412 First Avenue North
Assistance Counseling and financial aid:
On most Food Pantry days during hours of operation, and by Appointment (with the Deacon)
The Grace Outreach Ministries for Our Neighbors
- Grace Food Pantry: Begun in 2004 and using the generous contributions from parishioners and other churches and individuals, this ministry distributes groceries to over 90 households each week. Pantry distribution occurs on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Tuesday morning of each month fom 8:30 am – 10:00 am, and requires a dedicated number of volunteers to be able to offer this service to households in need. The Grace Food Pantry purchases canned, shelf-safe, dairy, and meat food products from and in cooperation with the Central Alabama Food Bank.
- Grace Personal Care: As supplies are available, on Tuesday mornings each month, during the Grace Food Pantry distribution, we offer personal care items to those who have need for them. Personal hygiene items are ineligible items for those who receive SNAP (food stamp) benefits, and so we assist them in this very needed way. See the Grace Clothing and Personal Care Wish List for the specifics on what our neighbors need and how to assist with donations.
- Grace Clothing Assistance Ministry: To assist those in critical need of clothing, this ministry provides basic clothing items. In the months of September through February, we will accept coats that are used, clean, and in good condition and distribute to those in need. We also accept new gloves and hats. We gratefully receive gently used sneakers and other rubber-soled footwear. We accept donations of shirts, jeans, and work pants (for men and women in all sizes) that are clean and in good repair. Donations of new underwear and socks are beneficial for this program. Our clothing ministry distributes clothing items to those in immediate need. See the Grace Clothing and Personal Care Wish List for the specifics on how to assist with donations.
Outreach Ministries Donations
Financial gifts to Grace Episcopal Church Woodlawn (specify for Outreach) are always welcome! We purchase food from the Central Alabama Food Bank, and new clothing items for our neighbors. Your generous contributions go directly to that use.
If you would like to make a donation of coats and/or personal care items, please see the Grace Clothing and Personal Care Wish Lists for the specific items that will meet our neighbors’ needs.
Special Note: To assure that your donation will reach those in need, please call to arrange a date and time to deliver any donations. Please do not leave items outside at the door. Call 205-595-4636
Grace Clothing and Personal Care Wish Lists
Personal Hygiene supplies
The needs of our neighbors are year-round, so it is helpful for parishes and organizations to contact Grace Church to select a month to collect a particular item.
Grooming Kits: It is helpful to receive the following items (in travel size or small original containers) in a gallon zip lock or other sealed bag:
Shampoo
Bar Soap
Deodorant
Body/Hand lotion
Hairbrush/comb
Lip balm
Shaving cream
Razor
Bulk Quantity Items
Dental Care items are distributed monthly, or on an “as needed” basis. Since we primarily serve households, the quantities vary with size of household. For that reason, we request that these items be donated in bulk rather than be included in the hygiene kits.
Toothpaste – standard size
Toothbrushes – soft bristle, various sizes
Dental floss
Feminine Hygiene Products is a category of products that are ineligible items on the SNAP (food stamp) assistance list. They are a true need and an expense that many of our low-income neighbors have difficulty affording. Pads, liners, and wipes are the greatest need.
Clothing Items
Coats (new and gently used) – We will receive new and gently used coats, jackets, hats, and gloves that are clean and in good repair during the months of September – February only.
Shoes – Adult rubber soled shoes (sneakers, work shoes, non-skid, etc.) are needed. Gently used, clean footwear in various men’s and women’s sizes are gratefully received.
Socks – New, warm, cotton crew socks work best for our neighbors. All sizes needed.
Undergarments – New underwear (men’s and women’s) in all sizes is a helpful donation.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Grace Food Pantry requires many willing hands to operate. There are opportunities to offer your time and energy. We load out our food delivery once/month (usually on the second Monday morning of each month). Teams bag the groceries during each week. And, on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Tuesdays from 8:30 am – 10.00 am we distribute the bags of groceries to families. Email Deacon Marti to be added to the text reminders. (DeaconMarti@gracechurchwoodlawn.org ).