Outreach
Haiti Mission
Debi Chakrabarty and Lauress Wilkins from COS and members of Needham’s First Baptist and Christ Church Episcopal went on a mission trip to Haiti from November 4-11, 2011. Contact Lauress for details on how to provide followup support for the mission.
Thompson School Vacation Food Festival
A team from COS collaborated with school staff, local restaurants, and the Department of Human Services and Board of Youth Services to sponsor a free lunch program at the Thompson Elementary School during the February and April vacation weeks. All the school’s students and their school-aged siblings were invited to participate. The COS team helped to set up, checked people in, directed them to the cafeteria, served food, supervised the kids while they ate, and cleaned tables. This project served 60 people on two different days in February and 90 on two more days in April. Those interested in volunteering for future lunch programs should contact Rose Udics.
The Church of Our Saviour basement serves as the Arlington Food Pantry donation and distribution center. The food pantry was organized in 1990 after a holiday food drive showed the need for continued assistance. When the Arlington Human Services Director and a group of volunteers established the pantry soon afterward, COS offered permanent space. The food pantry helps over 400 people each month, and the requests for assistance continue to rise.
The pantry receives contributions of money and food from residents, schools, churches, and local businesses. It also receives funds from a grant from Project Bread/Walk for Hunger.
Nonperishable food and personal items are always needed. Donations can be made on Friday afternoons (1-3 p.m.) or on Sunday mornings by leaving donations in the basket under the round altar in the church. Parishioners can also volunteer at the twice monthly distributions. See the Calendar page for current dates or contact the parish office.
Annual Walk for Affordable Housing
Each year, COS members participate in this Housing Corporation of Arlington walk and raise funds for homelessness prevention in the community. Other parishioners provide financial support or moral support, cheering on walkers with balloon hats or face painting. Contact Kevin Ward for participation details.
Each year COS has a presence at the Arlington Town Day festivities. To help plan for next year’s Arlington Town Day events, contact Mark Lawrence.
Members of COS have joined with other local religious groups for Habitat for Humanity build days. Anyone interested in obtaining more information about Habitat builds should speak with Kevin Ward.
Interfaith Dialogue
COS is looking to initiate interfaith dialogue with other religious organizations in the Arlington area. Please contact Jane Guy if you would like to be involved in establishing programs or creating events.
