CALVARY OUTREACH STORYTELLING

New London’s Community Meal Center (sometimes called “The Soup Kitchen”)
Parishioners assist the food-insecure population by preparing, and serving nutritious meals on the first Friday of each month

Under the Umbrella of the Faith, Action & Mission Committee

There are many ways to give to Calvary, whether it is by giving your time or by donating money to support Calvary Missions. The parishioners of Calvary Church support many local & international organizations:
 

Covenant to Care
references the Back to School Backpack Program where parishioners purchase new backpacks and all the items for children (usually about two-dozen) whose needs are noted by our area’s school social worker.

The Annual Turkey Drive
sees more than five dozen frozen turkeys being delivered to the altar for a blessing before they go to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center for distribution at Thanksgiving. 

Foster Children’s Christmas Gift Program.
With the help of the social worker, about two dozen boys and girls share with our church a Santa's Wish List.

Blankets for the Homeless
Throughout the year, blankets are collected in the vestibule to the church office; in addition, seasonal apparel such as coats, gloves, mittens, scarves and hats are donated. 

Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center
Non-perishable food, personal and household items left in baskets in the sanctuary are delivered weekly.

Money for Milk
In the summer, money for milk is collected to supplement the nourishment needs of school children who usually receive lunches at school. 

Meals on Wheels
Calvary also supports Meals on Wheels with drivers and organizational leadership.  

  
The Warm Center, Westerly, Rhode Island
Calvary cooks provide a meal for 50 people consisting of an entrée, salad, bread, milk and juice on the third Wednesday of the month.  In a year, that means serving about 600 patrons.

The fall C.R.O.P. Walk and a Good Friday Hunger Walk
raise money to “combat hunger one step at a time” to “do something” for those in need in the Mystic and Stonington communities. 

In addition to sponsoring the walks against Hunger, MAEC (Mystic Area Ecumenical Council) collaborates with other faiths to bring “the compassion of Christ” to those in need; hosting a choir festival in the spring and partnering with Harvest Now, MAEC collects produce from local gardens to donate to the PNC and the Groton Food Locker as well as distributing vouchers for food and gas to neighbors in need. 

The Giving Garden at Coogan Farm
is supported by hands-on help as well as financial donations; its mission is to donate crops to the United Way Food Center which in turn delivers fresh produce to local food pantries.

Mystic Area Shelter and Hospitality (MASH) changed its name to Always Home
but its mission remains to address the need of the homeless and at-risk families with children. Supporters strive to give parents tools to overcome a housing crisis so that they can focus on the well-being of their children and to obtain permanent housing that restores hope and dignity to each family. is supported by hands-on help as well as financial donations; its mission is to donate crops to the United Way Food Center which in turn delivers fresh produce to local food pantries.   

Behind and Beyond Bars…two organizations under the heading Prison Ministries have Calvary support:

Fellowship House
headed by one of our parishioners, a supervised residential program for formerly incarcerated individuals who receive services from this Christian ministry to help lead them to a self-supporting life.          

The Kairos International Prison Ministry is supported by a number of Calvary parishioners who participate hand-on workshops and tutoring sessions for youth who seek the skills to make better choices and become empowered to make their lives better. 

Start Fresh
centered in New London, welcomes refugee families through the federal organization called IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services). Currently five families from Syria and the Sudan are making new lives here; children attend school, parents (who are able) work, and attend classes to learn English, supplemented by home tutors. Medical, transportation, employment, basic household management, shopping, and “bureaucratic” needs are provided by volunteers who provide essential support for these vulnerable, brave, and aspiring new neighbors.