Teddy Bear March
Once a year, traditionally during the month of March, we invite you to bring a new Teddy Bear to church. During that month, the stuffed animals stay in our sanctuary where we hug and bless them. We then give them to CYFD (Children, Youth and Families Department) or another agency to bless children in traumatic and stressful situations. CYFD and PullTogether believe we are all responsible for making our state a great place to grow up. We may face challenges, but our strong communities and diverse cultures make it possible to give all children the love, support, and guidance they deserve.
Food Drive
USC ABQ is coordinating the collection of non-perishable food for distribution by Ernie Pyle Family Center/The Ernie Pyle Middle School in the South Valley. We are collecting non-perishables, snack foods, and cases of bottled water --- really any food will help. This is for the regular distribution to those that are "food insecure" in our city through the Ernie Pyle facility and school. This distribution center has been experiencing more families in need than available boxes of food. A box will be in the Sanctuary on Sundays and in the office during office hours. Thank you and Blessings! Coordinated by Bob Edgar and Dave Lepori.
Chase the Chill
This project takes place yearly as cold weather sets in. New scarves, gloves, caps, and mittens are collected and distributed in parks and public places throughout the city for those who would like to have them. Some of these items are hand-made by our community.
Warmth for the Homeless
During November there is a drive. We collect new underwear & socks, new or gently used sleeping bags, coats, hats, scarves gloves, blankets and clothing to distribute to the homeless through St. Martin’s Hospitality Center.
The Storehouse
We have a collection bin in our foyer year-round to collect food and clothing for The Storehouse to provide families in need in the Albuquerque area. Bring in your donations and place them in the bin. The Storehouse annually provides more than 2 million meals and 50,000 articles of clothing. More than half of everything provided goes to children. We constantly need FOOD. We accept non-perishable food such as canned tuna, chicken, beans, chili, stew, and vegetables, packaged pastas, potatoes, and rice, garden vegetables (such as your surplus crop of zucchini etc.), baby food and formula. During the Thanksgiving season, The Storehouse has a bigger need for food and we step up our efforts to help them fill their shelves with needed items. In December, we get the opportunity to share the blessings of the season with children of families who go to the Storehouse for assistance. We collect new non-violent and unwrapped gifts for boys and girls age’s infancy to young teenagers. During the Toy Drive in December we collect new toy donations which go to The Storehouse for kids. These are for children who might not otherwise receive gifts at Christmas.
The Backpack Project
In July, we begin to gather backpacks to help children in need of school supplies who would otherwise not have them. We are assigned an APS school who has a need. Lists of school supplies to fill the backpacks are provided. If you feel you cannot put together a full backpack, ask a friend to share one with you, give what you can or make a cash donation that will be used to buy supplies. We then deliver them during the first part of August to the school.
Refugee Support
Unity Spiritual Center Albuquerque is in the formative stages of providing refugee support with Catholic Charities. There are opportunities to become mentors and provide refugee families support navigating through registering for school, practicing their English, and cultural orientation. Also there are opportunities to become a Big Brother/Big Sister mentor, a friend to a refugee child.