Monthly contributions are made to Portage County Catholic Charities and the 4C's Food Cupboard (Crestwood Coalition for Community Care). During several weekends in late August and early September, the Produce Sharing Table is offered for parishioners to share their excess garden produce. Any items leftover after the weekend Masses are given to the 4C's. They also help provide and serve one of the Free Community Meals annually.

Partners in interfaith Clothing Drive ... Mantua Center Christian Church and Hilltop Christian Church have organized a Free Clothing Giveaway for the greater Crestwood area several times a year.

St. Joseph Cares will be holding a clothing drive at St. Joseph Church Sunday, June 28. Please have all clothes folded and bagged. Place in the All-Purpose Room near the windows. All clothes will be removed that weekend.

Saturday, Aug. 8th, 2020 is the new date for the next Free Clothing Giveaway to families in need, 9:00 a.m.-Noon, at the old Mantua Center School, ‎11741 Mantua Center Rd., Mantua. This will also be our FINAL Giveaway. Due to COVID19, you will be required to follow these guidelines:

1. Masks & gloves required (bring your own; limited supply available).

2. Only 5 people at a time for only 45 minutes. You'll have to wait your turn either in your car or on the ramp and you'll be given a number (you'll be allowed to go back in line after getting another number)

3. Bags given at the door.

Mantua FREE Clothing Giveaway Needs Help
The Free Clothing Giveaway at the old Mantua Center School has been going strong for six years. During the COVID outbreak, it had to close down. The next giveaway is on Saturday, August 8. Unfortunately, the current space is not working out as organizers would like. They are trying to find a new venue as they feel Portage County has a great need for this ministry. Not a lot of space is needed—just one or two rooms to sort, leave the clothes, and use for the giveaway. In the past, this event was held four times a year. Funds to rent a whole building are not available, but the hope is to find somewhere close to Mantua to hold these in the future. If you know of any place that could be used for this event, please contact Lynn Kelley (330-990-8912). Thank you in advance for any help. God Bless.  
 

St. Joseph Cares also serves those who use the Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center on the second and fifth Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A program of Family and Community Services, the Portage County Clothing Center provides gently used clothing as available to low income families and individuals at no charge and also reduces the waste stream by recycling used clothing. Donations of clothing in good condition (clean, folded right side out; put in bags, boxes or on hangers; labeled-men, women, children) are accepted at the Center (3377 St. Rt. 59, Ravenna, Ohio 44266) during hours of service: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Tuesday Evenings 6:00-8:00 p.m.; 2nd Saturday of each month 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. clothes that are clean, folded and in manageable boxes. For more info., please call 330-296-0503.

Cards are sent to those who are on St. Joseph Parish's prayer list and to those who have lost a loved one. The group also sends care packages to members of our parish who are serving in the military. If you have a son, daughter, or spouse who is currently serving and would appreciate this outreach, please forward their contact information to Angi Daczko. In addition, those who have lost a loved one or who are on our prayer intention list are sent a card from this group.
 

On the third Wednesday evening of each month, they entertain the folks of the Arbors of Streetsboro, a long-term skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation facility (formerly Maplewood Care Center) with a Bingo Night. An hour and a half is spent with the residents, who get great pleasure form their attendance. Bingo gifts and refreshments are also supplied (donations appreciated!).

In 2016/2017 an effort to bring more awareness to the addiction epidemic was also taken on. Bulletin blurbs highlight area programs and events to address this problem. 

Start Talking Portage is a local group of public and private Portage County residents dedicated to the critical fight against drug addiction. The coalition partners include resources from county medical, health and rehabilitation, law enforcement, local clergy, and private citizens. The group sponsors awareness about this epidemic through meetings, drug prevention programs and presentations. Look for the flyer in the Narthex that highlights upcoming events in Portage and surrounding counties. Start Talking Portage meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, S.R. 44 in Mantua. All are welcome. Please join them. Everyone is touched by this disease. Everyone has a voice. Please visit www.mental-health-recovery.org to view/download their Addiction Resource Guide.

Supporting the efforts of The Haven of Portage, a faith-based homeless shelter opening in Ravenna, Ohio committed to the holistic care of the homeless. Assisting the poor with rent, etc. Adoption of several families at Christmas time, working to make their days special by providing gifts and food.

Jail Book Drive has recently been started. Members also participate in Prison Ministry involving visitations, prayer services, and retreats.

Click here to learn more
about this ministry.