Outreach Ministry | hclc-ronkonkoma

OUTREACH MINISTRY

We collect donations for the Veterans living in the Long Island State Veterans Home at

Stonybrook. Magazines, books, small unopened toiletries, used CDs, new greeting cards, stamps, pads of notepaper, pens or markers are welcome. Donation box is in the narthex and donations are delivered to the facility bimonthly by John Stuerzel, a proud veteran himself.

A tradition started a few years ago at HCLC ..the gift giving of Easter Love Baskets. We create a little gift basket of love to encourage others in the journey of faith. Maybe you know someone who doesn't go to church. maybe you know someone who, because of health and/or age, cannot get out and is not able to attend church. Maybe you know someone who has lost their way in life and is hurting, or is bruised and just maybe they need to be touched by God's love on Easter. This basket is meant for them. Pray about it.

We usually make up 75 baskets. We need your donations of Easter candy and empty Easter baskets. Easter grass is helpful as well as any small Easter item. The Outreach team will put them together and include a notecard of love and a special Easter gift in the basket.

Outreach is Holy Cross' way of practicing what we are told in Hebrews 13:16: "To not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased." Our joy is to honor God and enrich the lives of people in our church family as they get involved and care for the people locally, in Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island, the nation and throughout the world.

We are blessed with many volunteers. And when the call goes out that we have a need or a special project, hands go up, feet hit the ground running and a lot of things happen.

Regular Outreach Events

We administer a very busy Food Pantry
We give away food baskets weekly and on special holidays
We host yard sales to raise money for the Pastor's Discretionary Fund
We have created PINK scarves to honor Breast Cancer survivors which are given away at the many walks hosted in the New York Metro area
We knit and crochet baby hats to go to World Vision
We support our local veterans with donations to the Long Island Veterans Home in Stonybrook
We knit and crochet hats, mittens and scarves for various organizations
We give away into the community 75+ school backpacks each Fall
We give out Easter Love Baskets (special little baskets of candy trinkets and a card) for those who are unable to get out or have no one
Valentine's Love Cans are chock full of "goodies" given to our local Adult Home and Assisted Living Facility and others
The Angel Tree at Christmas supports 10-15 families; purchasing gifts and gift cards and many extras
We joyfully participate in Operation Christmas Child of Samaritan Purse. Creating 75-125 shoe boxes full of gifts for children throughout the world
Souper Bowl Sunday we ask for soup donations for the Food Pantry

We believe that "the local church is the hope of the world." Each church, each house of worship, each Christian organization needs to make a difference. This is some of the ways we at Holy Cross do this.

Want to make a difference and help or make donations?

Contact: Lorraine Stark or the Church Office

516-588-9509 or hclc@optonline.net

Check out some photos of our

Outreach Team hard at work!