What started in 1976 as a Catholic Church Women’s Club activity to provide Christmas packages to 25 needy families has grown into a network of organizations working together to provide for those in need.
Twice a month, H.O.P.E (Helping Other People Everyday), a ministry at Saint Irenaeus Catholic Church, holds a food bank for those less fortunate in the surrounding communities of Cypress, La Palma, Buena Park and Anaheim.
H.O.P.E. hands out approximately 30 tons of food each year. Approximately 200 families are helped monthly and numerous ‘day bags’ are handed out to those who come to the Parrish offices. Donations are received from individuals, local churches and many local businesses, such as Olive Garden, Pizza Hut, the Kiwanis and COSTCO. Their shelves are also stocked by Food Finders, a multiregional food bank. Along with donations, H.O.P.E. also relies on volunteers to help with collecting, sorting, bagging and distributing the food.
On Sunday December 13 at 7pm, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sponsoring a free Christmas concert and a donation drop off location to assist St. Irenaeus H.O.P.E. Food Bank. There is a great need for peanut butter (approx 1 lb. size) and canned fruit (peaches, fruit cocktail, pears, etc.) to help meet their holiday needs. This event is offered free of charge and open to the public. Refreshments will be served after the concert which will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 5151 W. Orange Ave. Cypress.
If you are interested in learning more about this event visit JustServe.org and in the advanced search enter ‘Christmas’ in the keywords.
If you are interested in assisting H.O.P.E. at any time during the year, whether through donations or volunteering, call the H.O.P.E. office at (714) 826-0760.
This article was written by Vickie Wagstaff.
Featured Photo:
LDS representative Steve Mauss, right, is shown in this file photo with H.O.P.E. representative Henry Negretti thanking the Latter Day Saints for their donation of peanut butter to the H.O.P.E. food bank. Photo courtesy of LDS.
The post H.O.P.E. provides Christmas cheer to needy families appeared first on Orange County Breeze.