As neighbors and citizens of St. Louis, we mourn and grieve with those who lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in last Friday’s tornado. As Christians, we pray for all those who were affected and we resolve to assist our neighbors and our community as we clean up and rebuild.
Stewardship is all about gratitude and generosity, and this moment calls us to be Stewards. We are grateful here at St. Margaret of Scotland to have come safely through the tornado, for the path of destruction could very easily have come through Shaw, or Tower Grove Park, or Compton Heights, or Tiffany. We are generous because we have been so blessed and our faith compels us to share with others, especially those most in need. Indeed, some of our own parishioners and school families have suffered damage and loss.
There will likely be a special collection at Sunday Mass in the weeks to come, but for now, I encourage you to donate to Catholic Charities of St. Louis to assist in their relief efforts. Donations of tarps, tools, bottled water, and other supplies are needed. Volunteers are needed to assist with clean-up and organization. Information about all these opportunities and how you can assist is included here, and I encourage your own generosity for those in our community in great need right now.
As always, thanks for your generosity, and special thanks to those in our community who have already done so much. May our Lord and our Lady bless our community with healing and hope. St. Louis, King of France, pray for us!
Fr. John Vien, Pastor
Here are some options for the St. Margaret of Scotland community to help in the relief and recovery efforts for the last week’s devastating storm.
DONATE SUPPLIES
Alderwoman Daniela Velázquez has organized a supply drop off in South City at the old Holy Family Church (now called Power Creative) in Tower Grove South. St. Margaret of Scotland is partnering with her to supply items needed. Check the graphic below for the latest items needed. This is a fluid situation, and the needs are changing almost daily. Ald. Velazquez has the most up-to-date info about the relief efforts on her Facebook Page. It is suggested you check that for the latest details on supplies. Drop-offs are happening every day for the next week (at least through Sunday, May 25) – volunteers will be collecting supplies from 12:00-5:00pm.
Please drop off items at: Power Creative 3221 Oak Hill Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 Drop off between Noon to 5PM
DONATE MONEY
St. Margaret of Scotland will be taking up a second collection for victims of this devastating storm this weekend. Since last Friday, Catholic Charities of St. Louis has been helping to lead the response. As such, Archbishop Rozanski is asking each parish of the Archdiocese of St. Louis to hold a special collection at Masses the weekend of May 24 and 25. A copy of the Archbishop’s letter detailing his request for this special collection – as well as the many ways in which CCSTL is helping provide vital assistance and structured pathways toward healing, help, and hope – is attached below.
If you wish to donate now (or online), CCSTL is collecting donations through its Disaster Relief Fund (they are also providing help for individuals and families who were impacted by the storm and need assistance). You can also donate through the United Way Tornado Relief Fund or the City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund. 100% of the funds donated to these organizations will go directly towards tornado recovery.
DONATE TIME & TALENTS
If you are able to volunteer your time in the cleanup efforts (anyone with construction experience is specifically essential) or to help organize and distribute supplies to those in need, all of these efforts are being coordinated through the United Way Volunteer Center (coordinating with Action St. Louis). Dates and time blocks to schedule your time are available throughout the next week.
Other parishioners have reached out on social media with varying needs/opportunities to help as well. If anyone has anything to post to parishioners, please leave your information and details in the comments section of this e-blast (be sure to check the box to make them public). Thank you.
