From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, community leaders in Saginaw have been meeting to ensure that the basic needs of some of the most vulnerable in our community are being addressed.   Recently we were made aware of a need in our Saginaw community that we are inviting you to consider supporting.  This effort is a low-contact way for our students and families to practice a core tenet of our Faith.   

One of our most basic needs as humans, as you know, is nourishment.  To feed the hungry is the first corporal work of mercy. It was given by Jesus when he spoke to his disciples (Mt 25:31-46).  Each day in Saginaw, our East Side Soup Kitchen, some of our local school districts, and many other churches and organizations are providing food.  Under normal circumstances approximately 160 meals are provided each Saturday through a rotation of four different churches, including our Cathedral parish.  The three other churches are not able to participate at this time due to COVID-19.  We would like to step up and help support this effort over the next several Saturdays.  Our contribution can reduce the chance that someone will go two days without receiving a meal.  Young children and elderly represent a significant percentage of the people that benefit from this service.
 
The following Saturdays require additional support to meet th e demand: 

• May 2^nd  (80 meals needed) 
• May 9^th  (160 meals needed)
• May 23^rd (160 meals needed)
• May 30^th (160 meals needed)

Would your family please consider putting together five, 10, 15 or more of these special meal packages for any of the dates above?   All items need to be pre-packaged and not prepared by you in the home. The meals can include, but not be limited to:
 

• A pre-packaged container of cereal
• A pouch/box or bottle juice
• A piece of fruit
• A sandwich (pre-packaged) or a lunchable
• Chips or other snacks (granola bars, fruit snacks)
• Anything you and your family feel would be helpful

Individual meals can be placed in a brown lunch bag (fold and staple top), a large Ziploc bag or previously unused plastic grocery bag to allow for easy distribution.
A sign-up genius has been established for the sections listed above. Please visit NCCS Saturday Food Drive to sign up. Commitments must be made by 5 p.m.,  the Monday before each event, to ensure time to fill any shortfall in the number of meals.   All prepared bags will be collected in the NCCHS gym parking lot (north end of building) at 8 a.m. on each of the Saturday morning dates. Food donations will be placed in the back of a pick-up truck to allow for contact free drop-off.  Mr. Pete Bartels has volunteered to coordinate this effort as well as transfer the donations from NCC to the appropriate location.  Please feel free to contact him if you have any questions at pbartels@nouvelcatholic.org .  If you would like to support this effort through a monetary donation, you are welcome to do so.  All monetary gifts can be submitted at a secure drop box outside of the NCC business office (west end of NCCHS building).  

Students interested in completing community service hours will receive one (1) hour of credit for every drop-off/week participated in, regardless of the number of bags donated.  Students should take selfies at the drop site, submit to Mrs. Jacqmain and record their donation in the log onsite.  Please note, there may also be other opportunities for community service, as our Diocese has opened up the doors of our Center for Ministry to members of the homelessness who are affected by COVID-19.

We hope that you and your family are well and staying safe.  Thank you for considering this request.