2023 Jesse Tree Recap
Once again Resurrection outdid itself with donations to the Jesse Tree program. Due to the increased needs of the organizations selected for support this year (St. Vincent de Paul Justice Initiative Prison Ministry, Franciscan Ministries, Inc. Detroit, Samaritas Children’s Wish Program, Pope Francis Center, and Resurrection St. Vincent de Paul Conference), we doubled the number of tags on our tree. And as in past years, Resurrection parishioners and friends came through with an overwhelming number of donations. Thank you to the volunteers that helped to sort and deliver the donations. Following is a recap of donations:
Hand/foot warmers 1000+
Thermal sets 28
Sweat suits 16
Sweatshirts 7
Sweatpants 2
Hoodies 21
Hats 7
Gloves 30
Boys/Girls coats 12
Boys/Girls hats/gloves 7
Boys/Girls gift bags 3
Sleeping bags 6
Socks 138
Adult winter coats 2
Gift cards:
Kroger $310
Walmart $550
VISA $545
Meijer $ 50
Cash $ 25
Samaritas Children’s Wish Program
10 Children, 4 mos. to 11 years old, provided with books, toys and clothing
Needless to say, the organizations deeply appreciated all the donations. And we, your Christian Service team, greatly appreciate all your continued support as we all work together to ease the lives of so many of our neighbors. God bless you all abundantly in the New Year.
The following is a summary of the ministries Resurrection Christian Service assisted via the Jesse Tree program. These are difficult times for ourselves and these service ministries. Unfortunately, while the costs of everyday needs continue to climb, so do the number of people seeking assistance. Pray for these ministries and all those that seek to uplift our neighbors. May God bless you and your families abundantly for your generosity.
St. Vincent de Paul Justice Initiative Prison Ministry Volunteers reach out with hope to the
incarcerated, both while they are inside and once they are released. They minister to their physical,
emotional and spiritual needs with mentoring, pastoral services, caring visits, food clothing and any
other form of support that can be provided to enable them in effectively transition into society. In order to minimize the space needed to store Justice Initiative Prison Ministry inventory, they are asking primarily for monetary/gift card donations. Monies donated are used to purchase goods such as undergarments, work clothing, boots, shoes, tools, bus passes and toiletries. The ministry also helps with car repairs, acquiring housing, furniture and more.
Franciscan Ministries, Inc. Detroit has been a reliable source of support for groceries, simple meals and clothing for individuals and families facing various challenges, striving to spread compassion and dignity to those who need it most. This Christmas, they aim to go above and beyond their regular services and bring hope to even more lives (warm winter coats, blankets, sleeping bags, gifts for children and families).
Samaritas Christmas Wish 2023 serves children in the program who miss out on other statewide gift-giving opportunities due to age, date of entry into care, or type of care. To give these children the
opportunity for a “Merry Christmas”, Samaritas partners with individuals, groups and churches who sign up to receive a wish list from one or more of these youth. The wish list will include some information about the youth, their likes, and a list of items they would wish for.
Pope Francis Center…exists to provide meals, supportive services, crisis response and housing assistance to Detroit community members in need, especially those experiencing homelessness. On an average day, the center ministers to 150-200 guests. At Christmas, the Center provides about 200+ back backs packed with everyday needs: socks, thermal sets, sweat suit sets, underwear, hygiene kits, hats, scarves, hand and foot warmers.
Resurrection St. Vincent de Paul Society These trying times have put undue stress on the SVdP funds. Therefore, you will find tags on the Jesse Tree for gift cards to be provided to our neighbors in need for food, gas, etc.
The Jesse Tree program will run from November 11 thru December 2/3, 2023