Email Debbie for more info

BLESSING BAG SHOPPING LIST

All Five Weeks

Questions & Answers

-- When/where do we drop off the bags?

At the trailer on Thursday March 30 from 3pm to 7pm or Friday March 31 from 9am to 1pm. Our volunteers will be there to receive them. Please be sure to sign the sheet (your name) as you drop it off.

-- Is it okay to add more than one of certain items?

Sure, if you have room in your bag, feel free. For example, a box of Annies Shells & Cheese is small enough; should you want to buy two to three boxes, it would not take up a lot of room.  Same goes if you'd like to add a "pair" for one -- like a plastic jar of peanut butter and a box of crackers.

-- What if my bag overflows?

If this does happen, use an extra smaller shopping bag or gift bag and we'll be sure to keep the two bags together when we give it to the family. Not a problem!

-- How do I keep the gift cards from getting lost or tossed?

Please put the gift card(s) in an envelope, write gift card on the envelope, and staple to the INSIDE BACK of bag.

-- How else can we help?

Please say a prayer for the family who will receive your bag as you put items in the bags. Families faces so much today besides elevated grocery prices. As a faith community, we can make our bags with care and prayer.

Here's a suggested prayer to say when the bag is complete:

Please lift up the family who will receive

this bag to you, Oh God,

Give them peace in their hectic lives,

Protect them from all harm wherever they go.

May the contents of this bag bring to them joy

just as they bring joy to others.

May they feel our prayers and know

they are in our hearts.

May my own joy in helping others

reflect our calling to be the hands and feet of Christ.

May this calling always be a blessing to others,

such as this family, for whom I pray.

We ask you this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

-- Do the families need to qualify?

We do not ask for proof of anything. We trust in the Lord that the bags get in the right hands. It's a gift that we can do this as we are not receiving any state or federal aid, just private donations.

-- May we add a note?

Of course! Should you choose to add a note, please keep in mind we are helping families who qualify for help -- yet also families who have two incomes, but welcome a little lift in these difficult times -- or a fun surprise for their children.  So, a personal note saying that we're happy to provide a lift in these days of high grocery prices, and we've prayed for their family as we filled the bags would be great. You can sign your first name(s) only or simply write, St. Francis Parishioner.