BRUNSWICK — Third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the faith formation program at St. Charles Borromeo Church look to fill boxes of socks on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 8 and 9, to help local people in need.
Socks can be dropped off before, during or after Masses at St. Charles Borromeo on 132 McKeen St. at 4 p.m. Saturday or at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday. Donations also can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at the parish office, 132 McKeen St.
“We’ll be collecting new, warm socks for babies, toddlers, and adults,” said Amy Ford, faith formation director at the church, according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. “If people don’t have time to shop, we can shop for them as monetary donations will be accepted for the purchase of more socks.”
All socks collected will be donated to The Gathering Place in Brunswick and Catholic Charities Maine’s Refugee and Immigration Services.
The Gathering Place was founded in 2010 to offer daytime shelter, friendship and hope to the materially poor or homeless. Guests can find a sanctuary free of judgment, others who share their experiences, and access to resources and opportunities to improve their lives. With simple card games to life skills classes to computers, the center aims to fill lonely daytime hours with positive energy, respect, and possibilities.
On its first day, The Gathering Place received seven guests. Now, on a typical day, the center welcomes more than 80 people.
Catholic Charities Maine’s Refugee and Immigration Services aims to help those seeking a new life in America to become responsible and self-reliant members of the community. The program welcomes refugees upon their arrival; meets basic needs like housing, food, and clothing; arranges for language lessons; offers community, cultural and employment orientation; assists with employment development and placement; helps with family reunification; and offers medical and mental health referrals.
For more information, call the parish at 207-725-2624.
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