Rescheduled from October 2024 due to Hurricane Milton
“If you lavish your food on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted;
Then your light shall rise in the darkness,
and your gloom shall become like midday.” | Isaiah 58:10
The phrase “infectious diseases of poverty” is used to describe infectious diseases that are more prevalent among poor and vulnerable populations, even among what researchers consider high-income countries. These diseases, like HIV/AIDS or Tuberculosis, among others, often lead to adverse outcomes in pregnancy, child development, and employment opportunities. The Children’s AIDS Foundation of Tampa Bay states that “more than 80% of the children treated (for HIV/AIDS) in the Tampa Bay area live below the poverty level.”
Can’t make it to the North Campus on the day of the drive?
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On Saturday, October 12, join volunteers from our Open Doors ministry at our next Giving from the Heart drive-thru donation drive, benefitting the patients and families under the care of the USF Health Department of Pediatrics for Infectious Disease, as they gather to receive needed supplies for families afflicted by these diseases and circumstances.
On Saturday, February 8, from 9 to 11 a.m., join volunteers from Open Doors and Hands of Hope at our next Giving from the Heart drive-thru donation drive, benefitting the patients and families under the care of the USF Health Department of Pediatrics for Infectious Disease, as they gather to receive needed supplies for families afflicted by these diseases and circumstances. The drive will also benefit our Hands of Hope ministry, as they collect items that will directly go to our needy neighbors, and necessary supplies for their weekly outreach.
Each Saturday, our Hands of Hope ministry gathers together to prepare a meal at the North Campus for our homeless neighbors, distributing the meal and supplies downtown while offering friendship and fellowship to the people they serve.
USF PID provides comprehensive HIV testing and care to children and adolescents in West Central and Southwest Florida from their clinic in Ybor City and outposts at both Tampa General and St. Joseph’s. Their physicians provide medical care, access to clinical trials, psychological and social support, and education for infected children and young adults. USF PID states that its patients are often in need of clothing and household essentials, and has provided our parish with a list of items that cannot be covered by financial assistance programs such as SNAP (food stamps).
Items of greatest need include: Sanitary Napkins | Baby Wipes | Diapers (All Sizes) | Bath Soap | Laundry Detergent | Toothbrushes | Toothpaste | Floss | Tampons | Travel Size Hand Sanitizer | Disinfectant Wipes | Deodorant (Men’s and Women’s) | Socks (Youth to Adult) | Underwear (Toddler to Adult XL) | Adult Size Clothing (Gently Used or New; Men’s or Women’s; Larger Sizes Are of Greatest Need) | Toddler and Youth Clothes (Girls & Boys; Gently Used or New) | Boost Nutritional Drinks | Bug Spray or Mosquito Repellent Bracelets | Granola / Snack Bars | 8 oz. Bottles of Water | Snack Sizes of Chips/Crackers/Cookies | Aluminum Serving Trays (Full Size) | Canned Fruit | Compostable Food Containers
We want to supply the these young patients and families experiencing illness and hardship with the everyday items that might help them focus fully on their treatment and recovery. So, too, we wish to ensure that Hands of Hope has the supplies they need to continue their ongoing outreach to our local homeless. As always, your generosity is greatly appreciated.
