Southminster Presbyterian Church (USA)

Southminster Presbyterian Church is involved in many mission outreach programs within our local community and world wide. Following is a summary of programs we are regularly involved with.

We are currently collecting used greeting cards (all occasion) for St. Jude's Ranch in Nevada. The backs of the cards are removed and fronts receive a new back and are packaged and sold 10 for $10. The funds raised support the ranch.

Red Cross Blood Drive: April 7, 2011 from 1:00-7:00. Southminster hosts two blood drives annually (April and October) in support of The American Red Cross.

Christ Net: Christ-Net is a coalition of churches who provide week long overnight shelter and food during the winter months to the downriver people who are homeless. Southminster hosts these individuals for one week. We will be hosting Christ Net April 10th through the 17th for 2011. www.christ-net.org

Fish & Loaves: Fish and Loaves is a food bank that allows qualified people to "shop" for groceries at no cost to them. The food bank operates on donations and volunteers. Southminster contributes $50 monthly toward their ongoing work. www.downriverfishandloaves.org

Penrickton Center for the Blind: The Penrickton Center for the Blind is a facility that provides care to children who are blind and have at least one other handicap. They provide 24 hour care and food for them at no cost to the family. Southminster purchases 6 gallons of juice each month for the children. www.penrickton.com

C.R.O.P.: The Coalition responding to Overcome Poverty is a world wide organization which helps alleviate hunger by sponsoring a six mile walk. Southminster has several people who complete all or part of the walk. Their walk is sponsored by family and friends donations.

2 cents a meal: 2 Cents - a -Meal is a fund collected from our congregation to help hunger. Many other churches are a part of this endeavor. Southminster keeps 25% of the collection and 75% goes to fund world wide hunger.

Pop tabs: Pop tabs are collected and taken to the Ronald McDonald House and are recycled for cash. The funds are used to continue supplying housing for families who have children who are in Children's Hospital.

Fair Trade Coffee is purchased from farmers who paid a "fair" amount for their crop. This helps them to become independent. The coffee is used for church functions with freewill offerings used to defer most of the cost of the coffee.

First Step: First Step is a safe shelter for people who have suffered domestic abuse. Housing, food and the opportunity to plan a new future are provided for the guests. The mission program supplies First Step with hygiene products as well as financial support.

The Howell Nature Center: The Howell Nature Center provides sanctuary for wildlife and offers camping experiences for young people and families. The center is instrumental in saving over 2,000 sick and injured animals each year.