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Mission Statement
Holy
Family Church’s
Giving Bank takes seriously our baptismal call to be responsible, respectful
stewards of one another. Recognizing that God works in and through the world,
and in each one of us, the Giving Bank provides direct relief to those in the
local Los Angeles
area who face food insecurity and hunger. Further, the Giving Bank approaches
each of our clients in a holistic manner by engaging in social analysis of the
issues of poverty and hunger, and in providing education on nutritional topics.
Our action is implemented in a welcoming spirit of Christian love for one
another, recognizing that all involved are assembled as God’s community.
About the Giving Bank
The Giving Bank assists in fulfilling the mission of Holy Family
Church by “reaching out
to those in need.” It recognizes that our brothers and sisters requiring
assistance are not just the people with whom we celebrate the Sunday liturgy. They are the people outside of our local parish boundaries – the people who are struggling
economically or those who may, indeed, be devoid of all resources and
homeless.
The year 2007 marks the 29th year of the Giving Bank. It
began on a small scale in 1978 and has grown into one of the largest Catholic
providers of supplemental food in the San
Gabriel region. The Giving Bank, located at the St. Joseph Center, provides food to an
average of 200 families each week – roughly 750 persons. It attempts to
distribute a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates,
keeping in mind the necessary requirements of school-age children and senior
adults. Periodic workshops focusing on nutrition and other issues are also
offered.
The Giving Bank does not stop at Monday distribution. There
is also a lunch program from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., providing a pre-packaged
lunch to persons who are homeless or living on a low income. This program serves an
estimated 80-100 persons weekly. These persons are greeted at the door – often
by name – and given personal attention.
Monday mornings are a fun combination of preparation,
volunteers running to and fro, and fond communication among all involved.
Rather than just a simple distribution, the clients are treated with respect
and dignity. Many come much earlier than the 9:00 a.m. start, to socialize with
friends, so often the Giving Bank resembles more a community than a “social
service.” Holidays are an especially festive time, with as many as 420 families
appearing for Thanksgiving distribution and an estimated 300 families for
Christmas food and toys.
The volunteers in this ministry are very dedicated to the
work of the church. It is truly a faith community. There are ongoing formation
sessions focusing on reflection of the social gospel and prayer. These kind
people are also subject to the Archdiocesan policy guidelines of “Safeguard the
Children” which requires that all church volunteers working with children
attend a VIRTUS training program and be fingerprinted when necessary.
A Giving Bank committee, formed in early 2006, advises on
best practices of acquiring donations and other essential items. It is headed
by Fred Seymour, former chair of the Outreach Commission.
Latest News
At present, there are plans for a nutrition event for the
clients focusing on children’s nutrition in light of the startling rise of
obesity and diabetes in young people.
Volunteer Ministry Opportunity
There are many ways to help at the Giving Bank. We invite
you to become part of this fun, faith-filled group of volunteers.
Calendar
-
Food Bagging, Sundays 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., St. Joseph Center
- Food Distribution, Mondays 9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., St. Joseph Center
Contact
The Giving Bank
St. Joseph Center
1524 Fremont Ave.
South Pasadena, CA 91030
(626) 403-6140
Carrie-Ann Lue Sue
Director of Community Services
(626) 403-6141
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Give us a call – we’d love to hear from you!
Resources
The Giving Bank is one agency responding to persons who face
food insecurity in the Los Angeles
area. There are many organizations involved in this endeavor. Here is a sample
of some of the agencies with which the Giving Bank networks:
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