Every year, there are opportunities for parishoners to give back to those who live locally to the parish. It is a way in which we provide things like food and clothing, gifts for children, a shawl for one hospitalized, and ringing a bell for the hungry. We lend our voices of support for minorities who labor without adequate compensation. We encourage those who swing hammers and put up plywood, giving shelter for the impoverished, by delivering refreshments. Yes, there are many opportunities local to Venice. By large it appears to be a cozy retirement town, where abundance and prosperity are interpreted by passing the many gated communities, but there are people all around who yearn to be in the community of God. We do not discriminate anyone and The Church of the Good Shepherd extends itself, being compassionate and inviting for others to belong to her. Listed below are some of the many ways we are involved and what one would think about when it comes to our local outreach.

Angel Tree  - In December we support this national organization by purchasing Christmas gifts for persons recommended by the Salvation Army and also for prisoners incarcerated in the nearby community.

Children's Christmas Gift-making day - On the first Saturday in December, children are invited from our parish and nearby to an organized event where children make an assortment of crafts, wrap them up, and present to their families on Christmas Day. It is a means to take away the stress for children during the holiday season and to encourage them to use their imaginations and hands to build out of love.

English tutoring for Hispanics (ESL) - During the school season, bilingual, adult volunteers meet weekly to help local Latinos learn the English language. It supports children with their homework sent home from school and adults needing supplemental assistance.

Farm Workers Benefit Dinner - Once a year we raise money to support the Immokalee Farmer's Coalition to improve working conditions for those working under harsh labor requirements in the nearby tomato fields of inland Florida.

Habitat for Humanity - Once a week, volunteers are sent out to deliver refreshments to the local HFH worksites.

Knit1 & Pray2 – Throughout the year, many volunteers put their hands to good use making prayer shawls for those who need such comfort when confronted with grief. Our tradition is to set them on the altar, the first Sunday of the month to have them blessed by the priest.

Salvation Army – From Thanksgiving to Christmas, parishioners serve as bell ringers outside local stores such as Publix and Walmart to collect donations for the less fortunate.  These donations provide food, clothing, energy and rent for those in need.

Pat Hickson, Outreach Chair

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