June Outreach: SMUM

I was hungry, and you gave me food, …I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)

For June’s Outreach opportunity, Fr. Bill and Genevieve Cleveland are spearheading the chance to volunteer at Santa Maria Urban Ministry (SMUM) in San Jose at 778 South Almaden Ave. on June 23. SMUM is a ministry of our Diocese and supported by St. Luke’s. It offers groceries, clothing, and a wide spectrum of other services to many hundreds of needy people in San Jose. Volunteers come to the center, check in, and sort and distribute groceries and clothing etc. through the morning, staying for a provided lunch.

SMUM would welcome volunteers on June 23, which is when Fr. Bill, Barbara, and Genevieve will be there. Since food distribution starts at 9:00 a.m., please get there at 8:15 for orientation. Please email Genevieve  if you’re considering coming.

To prepare to volunteer: go to Santa Maria’s website, click on “Get Involved,” then “volunteer”, then “sign on to volunteer.” If that proves confusing, just come and register  that morning at SMUM itself. Last time we had a roomful of volunteers from St. Luke’s—a great response! We hope that will be the case again.