UPDATE!
The generosity of Saint Mark's parishioners to the 2020 Alternative Giving opportunity was overwhelming. The cathedral ended up sending more gift cards to Casa Latina and Lowell Elementary than they asked for! For Lowell Elementary and Casa Latina, you gave $14,700—for a total of 588 gift cards, and that does NOT include gifts to Mary's Place (which collected donations directly). Know that our friends at Casa Latina and Lowell were so heartened—responding a resounding “WOW” and “That’s incredible!” THANK YOU to all who gave this year!
Yes! Saint Mark’s is still sharing Christmas joy with families from Casa Latina, Lowell Elementary School, and Mary’s Place even though we can’t meet in person! This year, we need donations for gift cards.
Donations for Casa Latina, Lowell Elementary School, & Mary's Place
Our neighbors have asked that Saint Mark’s provide gift cards rather than physical gifts this year, for safety’s sake—so we are asking you for donations here to purchase a $25 gift card for each child for Casa Latina and Lowell Elementary School to distribute to their families. (We invite you to donate to Mary’s Place directly.)
In this year of so much hardship, your generosity means even more to these wonderful families, and the gifts cards will help parents provide food and toys for their children for the holidays. So instead of taking a tag from a tree, please think of how many children you might “buy a Christmas present for” and donate online here by December 7 so that we can provide the gift cards with plenty of time for families to shop! You may also donate by mailing a check to Saint Mark’s (with “gift cards” in the memo line), using the Venmo mobile app (@SaintMarksCathedralSeattle; put "gift cards" in the comment), or by calling Erik Donner at 206.323.0300 x217.
Photo: Last year's Giving Tree in Bloedel Hall.
Give an Alternative Christmas Gift!
If you make a donation in honor of someone who’s on your Christmas list, you may print out the Alternative Giving Card below, and then include the card in your own card for them. Last year Saint Mark’s provided more than 200 Christmas gifts, and the need in these difficult times is greater than ever! Your generosity in choosing Alternative Giving is truly a gift in the spirit of this holy season.
Blessings of the season to you!
May we share the joy in tangible and prayerful ways.
Click to enlarge, or download here.
Click to enlarge, or download here.
Click to enlarge, or download here.
Casa Latina advances the power and well-being of Latino immigrants through employment, education, and community organizing. Saint Mark’s Sanctuary ministry is in relationship with Casa Latina to be a partner and harbor in times of trouble—and Casa Latina is a teacher and gatherer for Saint Mark’s to share in their efforts supporting families and promoting just immigration policies.
Lowell Elementary School, just down the street from Saint Mark’s, has a student body where over one-in-four of the children are experiencing homelessness, and in these pandemic times, are struggling more than ever. The school provides basic needs beyond education, and counts on their neighbors to help do it. Saint Mark’s volunteers have deep ties and relationship with students and the Lowell community.
Mary’s Place provides safe, inclusive shelter and services that support women, children, and families on their journey out of homelessness. Across seven emergency family shelters in King County, they keep struggling families together, inside, and safe when they have no place else to go, providing resources, housing and employment services, community, and hope. Saint Mark’s provides holiday gifts each year.
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