Crop Walk
Funds are raised to support sustainable food sources such as water supplies, financing for initial livestock for breeding and starting a food distribution network in developing countries. To raise funds, participants walk 6 miles and view the beautiful Fall Foliage in Basking Ridge. Direct contributions are also accepted. St. Mark’s acts as the coordinating church for all churches in the Somerset Hills Area.
Contacts: Anne Post 908.766.6621 -or- Robert Buesser 908.316.5175
Curbing Hunger
Curbing Hunger Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, was founded in 1995 by St. Mark’s because local food pantries were running out of food in the summer. Since inception, 1.85 million pounds of food have been collected and distributed valued at $2.5 Million. In Somerset County alone, the program supports approximately 2,500 persons every week for 12 weeks in the summer. This includes about 1,200 children under 18 years of age. St. Mark’s parishioners hold the Board President, Secretary/Treasurer and several other Board positions. There is extensive community involvement with this program.
Contact: Bill Schmidt 908.580.1259
Food Pantry (Somerville)
Every Saturday in September, parishioners and older members of St. Mark’s youth group help to organized and distribute food to those in need. This includes persons temporarily unemployed, families on food stamps which don’t last a month and disadvantaged persons. Food is distributed directly to the families at the food pantry in Somerville.
Contact: Bill Schmidt 908.580.1259
Meals On Wheels
Hot meals delivered to shut-ins and others who have difficulty preparing their own meals.
Morristown Soup Kitchen
St. Mark’s is committed to buying, preparing and serving food four to five times a year at the soup kitchen in Morristown. Tasks are shared for shopping, calling participants, preparing food and serving. Not everyone has to be there during lunch service.
Contact: Kit McLaughlan 908.221.1858
Morristown Mission
The Mission provides food service to persons in need during evening meals and holidays. The Mission also acts as a refuge for temporary sleeping quarters and for persons trying to stop drug dependence. Parishioners help set-up for dinner and serve meals. This can be a very rewarding, shared family experience.
Contacts: Jim and Paige Pioppi 908.604.4232
Turkey Drive
Yes, it is for Thanksgiving. Frozen turkeys are collected and distributed to families in the county. The program is done in conjunction with the local Jewish Congregation, B’nai Israel. (Incidentally, before B’nai Israel built its own Synagogue, its congregation used St. Mark’s Chapel for its Saturday services.)
Contact: Mary Urbas 908.630.9012
