Isaac’s Wish — To Help Homeless
“My name is Isaac. I want to help the homeless!”
Isaac Garcia is a Freshman at Cretin Derham Hall. Shortly after his family moved from Inver Grove Heights to near Mounds Park in St. Paul, Isaac noticed the many people walking to a church in their neighborhood. This church offers services to those who are homeless. As winter approached, he began asking, ”Where are they going to go? What will they do?” As it got colder outside, Isaac thought about the people he saw every day. He thought about what he might be able to do to help them. He wrote down his thoughts and titled it, “Isaac’s Christmas Wish” …I’m, going to do my best to work at getting donations and make sure the poor people will at least have one night of warmth and some food this Christmas.”
Isaac met with the people at the church near his home to find out what kinds of things would be most helpful for the homeless people who came there. Then he began asking for donations of money and supplies so he could assemble “Blessing Bags”. Each bag contained a collection of items such as hand warmers, bottled water, fruit snacks, and granola bars. Small but useful things. Isaac turned to his school community for help. Donation boxes were put near the school office and the word was spread to school families. They collected boxes full of socks, hats, mittens, jackets, and boots, as well as personal care items like soap and toothbrushes.
His goal date was the week before Christmas. Entire rooms in his home were full of the things he had collected. When he arrived at the church all the donations were laid out on tables. People were invited to take what they needed. The shelter was full-on Christmas and over 100 people were there for dinner. Families with children, including babies. One man in a wheelchair came to Isaac to shake his hand and say thanks. Isaac was touched. Isaac plans to do this each Christmas. This is my Christmas wish this year. – Love Isaac
Last year we at St. Matthew’s helped Isaac fulfill his “Christmas Wish”! Since then Isaac’s Blessing Bags has been registered as a Non-profit Organization. As a parish, we want to help Isaac again!! This past year has been difficult for many! The need is even greater! We ask that you bring donations for “Isaac’s Blessing Bags” and leave them in the back of the church. Donations may also be brought to the Parish Center 9 am – 4 pm Mon & Wed and 9 am – 1 pm Tues & Thurs. The last day to donate will be Saturday, Dec 5th.
Donation Suggestions for Men, Women & Children
Handwarmers Socks Hats Mittens Jackets Boots Scarves Sweaters
Bottled Water Soap Fruit Snacks Granola Bars Toothbrushes Deodorant
Combs Hairbrushes Disposable Razors Diapers Small Toys for Babies & Children
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