COVID -19 Service Opportunities
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A personal request to CCOP "non-commuters" now working from home
I have lived in San Ramon for the past 23 years and until the COVID-19 pandemic I joined all the other thousands of people commuting by car to Silicon Valley where I work. On average my commute cost me about $1300 in gas annually. Like many of you who still have the luxury of a job, I also have the gift of spending more time with my family now because I am working from home - the daily 2 hour commute seems a distant memory. Until recently I did not realize that for many homeless people, just being able to sit on a bus for a couple of hours a day is a real luxury. It means being able to be warm and dry, especially in the winter months. It also means being able to get to a doctor’s appointment, the grocery store or a homeless shelter for a hot meal. So when I was presented with the opportunity to donate to a bus-pass program for the homeless, it made complete sense to me that this is something I could do, certainly for as long as I am working from home and not spending money on gas to commute to work. I would like to invite all our CCOP non-commuters who are also working from home to consider donating a percentage of the money you would have spent on gas to the bus-pass program for the homeless. For someone like me who used to spend $1300 here’s what a donation may look like: 50% = $650 which is $54 a month 25% = $325 which is 27 a month 10% = $130 which is $11 a month If you think this is something that is do-able for you, then I invite you to join me and make a commitment to support this cause either monthly or with a one-time donation in the following ways: a) Send a check, made out to Asbury United Methodist Church, with “BUS TICKETS” on the memo line, and on the envelope. Mail to: Asbury United Methodist Church, 4743 East Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550. If you would like a receipt please include your email address. b) Online at 2020-21 Livermore Community Bus Ticket Drive Please note that when donating online, the courtesy fee that is charged to Asbury is added to the credit card charge so 100% of your donation goes to support the program. Thank you, Marcus Duncan, A message from the Social Justice Committee For questions or comments please email us at: socialjustice@catholicsofpleasanton.org. |
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UPDATE: A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE & THE PASTORAL COUNCIL
Over the past year our CCOP ministries have asked you to open your hearts and support one worthy cause after another and you have responded with such generosity of spirit. The new year continues to be very challenging for many household as parents struggle to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads. The very long lines of people at food banks is indicative that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of families losing a stable source of income. The aid agency Feeding America has estimated that more than 50 million people, including 17 million children, may experience food insecurity in 2020. This is likely to continue well into 2021: Facts About Hunger and Poverty in America | Feeding America The daily hardship of food insecurity experienced by Rose Rodriguez’s family is just one example of the new reality that so many families now face: CNN Replay - This mother is struggling to feed her children as food insecurity worsens during the pandemic As you can see from Rose’s experience this is much more than a food crisis. There is a very real emotional and physical impact on the entire family that strikes at the very core of their well-being. We can make a difference by a simple act of kindness. And so we need to ask you to open your generous hearts once again and continue to help those in need of food and comfort by donating to our sister parish St. Raymond Food Bank. Non-Perishable Food Needed Now
Drop-off Location Drop-off bins are available 24/7 in front of Moran Hall at St. Raymond Church, 11555 Shannon Ave, Dublin CA. $10 Gift Cards from Walmart, Lucky, or Safeway are also most welcome and they can be dropped off every Saturday between 10am and 12 noon at St. Raymond Church Parking Lot along with food supplies. Please know that we do not take your generosity for granted and whatever you can give will be greatly appreciated and received as a blessing. Maximizing our Impact The Social Justice Committee, with the support of the Pastoral Council, is currently exploring ways to provide food aid to struggling families in our neighborhoods. We encourage and welcome the participation of all our parishioners and ministries. We want to hear your thoughts and ideas. Please email us at socialjustice@catholicsofpleasanton.org |