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. Adoption of several families at Christmas time, working to make their days special by providing gifts and food, is another one of their outreach efforts. 

Produce Sharing Table
Do you have an abundance of fresh foods from your garden – maybe more than you can use? Beginning August 6, 2023, St. Joseph Parish will continue a Produce Sharing Program coordinated by St. Joseph Cares where you can share your abundance with other parishioners and the 4C’s. During SUNDAY MASSES ONLY, please bring in clean, fresh fruits & vegetables from your garden. Place them on the table provided in the alcove outside the church entrance. Parishioners are invited to take home what they need from the sharing table. All produce left after Mass will be taken to our local food cupboard, the 4C's (Crestwood Coalition for Community Care).

St. Joseph Cares will be holding a Free Clothing Giveaway for the greater Crestwood area four times this year. A ministry of St. Joseph Cares providing free clothing to families in need, the events will be held from 9 a.m. to Noon in a classroom in the school building. You do not need to be a resident, there is no limit, and no questions are asked.

Upcoming Giveaways:
December 9, 2023
February 10, May 11, August 10, November 9, 2024

Donations of clean, wearable condition clothing for all ages as well as diapers (especially size 4-6) and wipes are welcome on Clothing Collection Weekends before and after Mass times  (9 a.m. Sunday). Please have all clothes folded and bagged. Accessories items (shoes, belts, purses, etc.) and bedding will also be accepted (no pillows or furniture). Large plastic garbage bags with ties are also needed. Place in the All-Purpose Room. All clothes will be removed that weekend. For donations at any time, there is a yellow collection bin for donations that is located at Mantua Center Christian Church (corner of St. Rt. 82 & Mantua Center Rd.).

2023 Clothing Collections:
Week of November 19 & 26 

 If you have questions or would like to volunteer,
please contact the Parish Office (330-274-2253) 
2024 Free Clothing Giveaway Flyer 

St. Joseph Cares also participates with and supports numerous organizations throughout Portage County including:

• Start Talking Portage
  (drug addiction awareness coalition)

• The Haven of Portage County
  (faith-based homeless shelter in Ravenna)

• Freedom House 
  (transitional housing facility for homeless veterans)

• Miller House 
  (emergency shelter and supportive services to men, women and children)

• Center of Hope
  (hot meals and food assistance)

• Service Day at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Aurora 

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Members of St. Joe's were invited to participate in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church's day of service on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Over 100 people panned out over local communities to reach out to 25 residences and agencies to lend a hand. A few of our parishioners participated and some helped out a St. Joe parishioner spruce up her yard and ramp. THANK YOU to all who volunteered to bring Christ's love to fruition. ONE DAY does make a difference!

St. Joseph Cares also takes seriously the call to pray for our neighbor. Members of the group regularly write encouraging notes and cards to those parishioners and their families who are on the parish prayer list. Additionally, at the end of every meeting, each name on this prayer list is read aloud and prayed for by the entire group.
 

During the spring, summer, and fall months, members 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!). For details, please contact Jeanine Maczko ([email protected]).

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. Committee member Jan Seljan takes a personal interest in this organization by serving on their board and helping with fundraising and publicity.

The group 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 ([email protected]).

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.

A nationwide Catholic initiative to help pregnant and parenting women to make life-affirming decisions and help moms in difficult circumstances. 

Learn More