Help Us Help the Hungry

Sisters SHINE SPECIAL WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT ON THOSE IN NEED

In honor of Catholic Sisters Week this month (March 8-14), the School Sisters of St. Francis are extending our hearts and hands to those in need by collecting nonperishable food items, grocery store gift cards and monetary donations to benefit food pantries, soup kitchens and other nonprofit organizations in the areas where our Sisters serve. Here’s how you can help, no matter where you live:

Western Pennsylvania

Food & Gift Card Drive | Daily March 8-31

Donations of sealed, unexpired, nonperishable food, toiletries and grocery store gift cards can be dropped off at Mt. Assisi Place (the former Mount Assisi Convent) between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day from March 8 to 31. Clearly-marked collection boxes will be located inside the main entrance (glass doors). Gift cards or checks should be sealed inside an envelope and left at the Reception Desk to the attention of “School Sisters Food Drive.” All donations will go to Light of Life Rescue Mission's Food Pantry on Pittsburgh's North Side, not far from where our Sisters first settled in the United States in 1913.

GPS Address for Dropoffs: 1515 Quaill Avenue | Pittsburgh PA 15202

Eastern Pennsylvania

DROP-OFF FOOD DRIVE | March 24-25

Our Sisters in Bethlehem, Pa., are joining forces with John Chrysostom Academy to host a drive-thru Food Drive dropoff from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 24-25, at Mullen Hall at Monocacy Manor. We are seeking donations of canned goods, non-perishables, toiletries, cash and grocery gift cards to benefit those in need throughout the Lehigh Valley. During this Lenten Season, please consider a donation, no matter how small. Every little bit helps! Please feel free to spread the word with our printable flyer.

GPS Address for Dropoffs: 395 Bridle Path Road | Bethlehem, Pa. 18017

In and Around Somerset, N.J.

Monetary Food Bank Donations | March 8-31

Sisters Marie Therese Sherwood and Marie Derecola, who minister at The Catholic Community of St. Matthias in Somerset, N.J., will again focus their Catholic Sisters Week efforts on nearby Franklin Food Bank. The Sisters will volunteer there this month and encourage donations directly to the food bank at the address below.

Donations also may be mailed to The Franklin Food Bank, PO Box 333, Somerset, NJ 08875. Please indicate “Catholic Sisters Week” in the check memo line.

In and Around San Antonio, Texas

Meat Drive | March 8-31

Sisters Jo Goolish and Yolanda Escamilla are coordinating a food drive in San Antonio, Texas, to benefit the nearby Catholic Worker House. They are seeking donations of fresh or frozen meat — hamburger meat, sausages or hot dogs — as well as gift cards and monetary donations throughout March. Fresh meat, checks and gift cards can be dropped off at St. Francis Convent.

To make arrangements for drop-off, please contact Sisters Jo and Yolanda at 412-335-7571.

Help from Anywhere

Mailing grocery
Gift Cards & Checks

Grocery store gift cards and monetary donations can be mailed to our Provincial Office. Checks may be made payable to “School Sisters of St. Francis.” Direct questions to 412-761-2855. Once donations are totaled, we will make a matching donation and hand-deliver the food and check to Light of Life Rescue Mission in April.

School Sisters of St. Francis
Attn: Food Drive
4900 Perry Highway, Suite 201
Pittsburgh PA 15229

MAKe AN ONLINE DONATION NOW

You also may also support our Sisters' 2023 Food Insecurity Challenge by making a secure online donation through our website. Donations of any amount will help those in need. Please click the button below.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS

The following food items are in particular need by local food banks and pantries:

• Bulk packs of individually-wrapped items, like snacks, crackers, cereal bars and fruit cups

• Cases of bottled water

• Granola and protein bars

• Cans and pouches of tuna fish

• Individual servings of macaroni and cheese and similar microwaveable or quick-serve meals

• Canned soups, fruits, vegetables and beans

• Diapers, wipes and baby formula

• Boxed potatoes, rice and meals like Hamburger Helper

• Oatmeal packets or cups

• Cereal in boxes or individual cups

• Peanut butter, jelly and applesauce

• Noodles and pastas

• Teabags, coffee and hot chocolate

• Ramen noodles and soup cups

• Don’t forget the pets — pet food is needed too