Over 30 years ago, the St. Vincent de Paul society established Cosgrove's Kitchen in East St. Louis to feed those suffering from the effects of poverty. This important ministry has served many thousands . . . children, the elderly, the homeless, the mentally and physically disabled, and the working poor. The Kitchen strives to feed the whole person, both body and soul. Prayer services with local pastors are held several times a week to address the devastation of spiritual poverty, and programs are offered throughout the year to help people meet the overwhelming challenges of their physical needs.
In these sweltering summer months, the suffering of the poor intensifies. Children no longer have access to meals at school, and the elderly or those with health conditions are seriously at risk because of the physical stress of heat and hunger. The Kitchen is their lifeline now, providing cool shelter and a nourishing meal. As greater numbers are welcomed, though, the cost of operating the Kitchen skyrockets. The enormous cost of utilities and the need to purchase basic supplies hit their limited budget hard, and that means even less is available to buy food to feed the poor.
The good works of Cosgrove's Kitchen can only be accomplished by relying on the generous spirit of others, so the staff of the Kitchen again asks for our help in easing the suffering of the poor. They are in need of the items listed below and would very much appreciate your help. We'll collect your donations at the front entrance of St. Teresa's as you arrive for Mass on
Sunday July 31, and deliver them to Cosgrove's Kitchen.
The Kitchen is especially in need of:
Salad dressing Mayonnaise
Pre-sweetened drink mix Styrofoam bowls and cups
Paper towels Individual packages of chips & snacks
Laundry detergent Handwashing soap
Plastic kitchen gloves
Other items needed:
Napkins 55 gal black drum liners
(available at Sam's)
Toilet paper 33 gal clear plastic bags
(available at Sam's)
T-shirt bags
(available at Sam's)
Monetary donations to help with the utilities . . . always much appreciated!
If you have any questions, please call Cathy Muren (233-4767) or Lisa McCoy (416-0412). God has blessed us all so generously--can you share a small part of your blessings with our suffering neighbors?
