Outreach at Calvary
One of Calvary's top priorities is to provide for the needs of others in our community and the world. We are eager and pleased to help meet (and exceed) our outreach goals--and respond to the needs of one another. Calvary strives to meet this challenge in a variety of ways.
Some outreach endeavors involve the whole parish
throughout the year.
Buffalo Public School 30
Each summer, Calvary donates school supplies for the students of School 30 and the church funds several educational and cultural programs at the school. Through the Mitten Tree project in December, Calvary collects and distributes over 200 Christmas gifts to students in 2nd and 4th grades.
Calvary volunteers work with students individually through the New York State Mentoring Program.
Refugee Ministry
Together with St. Paul's Lutheran and Journey's End, Calvary Church sponsored a refugee family from Afghanistan. The father had been in the U.S., but his wife and five children recently joined him.
In addition to finding and furnishing an apartment, volunteers helped the family settle in. They take family members to appointments and help the family in other ways.
As the family needs less support, Calvary will find another family to sponsor.
Friends of Night People
Calvary helps provide nutritious meals for homeless and hungry individuals. Volunteers go to the center every other month to help prepare dinner for the people who come to the agency.
Clothing and toiletries are collected year round.
Some outreach projects occur annually.
Others receive significant funding.
Family Justice Center
Calvary assisted in the opening of the Northtown branch of the Family Justice Center, which provides counseling and help to victims of domestic abuse. Calvary donated funds, books, and furniture, and continues to donate time, to make the Center a success.
Eaton Summer Reading Program
The Eaton Summer Reading Program is a diocesan endeavor founded in memory of Jim Eaton, a long time member of Calvary. The summer day program focuses on reading and relationship building for Lockport public school children. Calvary members contribute to the success of the program in three ways: 1) Donating time by volunteering as a teacher, reader, aide, or in an administrative role; 2) donating books to the program; and 3) making a monetary donation. Calvary Church sponsors the cost of transportation for the weekly student field trips.
Food Bank of WNY/ Walk Off Hunger
Food for Families: Calvary collects funds several times per year to help feed local hungry individuals and their families.
Walk Off Hunger: Calvary members serve on the planning committee for this annual event to support the Food Bank of Western New York. Calvary organizes the basket and silent auctions.
United Thank Offering
Calvary adults and children provide generous monetary donations twice per year to this nationwide program. Funds provide assistance to needy people worldwide. The United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of The Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through UTO, men, women and children nurture the the habit of giving thanks to God by recognizing and naming daily blessings. Those who participate in UTO discover that thankfulness leads to generosity. UTO receives the offerings and distributes the monies to support mission and ministry throughout the world.
Calvary recognizes that many members are involved in community service outside of the church.
The following represents a sampling of member involvement.
Calvary's Coins
A Calvary youth collects coins from the congregation, and over the years has presented Carly's Club at Roswell Park Cancer Institute with a checks for hundreds of dollars.
Drake Elementary recognized Olivia with its first "Making a Difference" Award" for her work with Calvary Coins Can Cure Cancer program. Thank you to everyone who has been contributing, and congratulations Olivia!
Donation Drop Off
Donation Bins are located next to the Lower Lobby Link for clothing, linens and toiletries which are sorted, and then delivered to Hearts for the Homeless, Friends of Night People, and School #30.
Hearts and Hands
Calvary has a partnership with Hearts and Hands. Hearts and Hands is a volunteer-based neighbor-helping-neighbor organization that pairs volunteers with physically challenged adults for transportation to medical appointments, routine errands, social/recreational visits, and much more.
Meals on Wheels
Calvary members deliver meals each Friday morning to shut-ins in Amherst. This activity takes place all year round, no matter the weather. Calvary volunteers presently have over 19 different routes. Volunteers are always welcome!
Little Roses Tea
This annual Tea benefits the Little Roses Home for Girls in Honduras and is held each September at the Diocesan Ministry Center. Calvary donates a basket to the basket auction and makes a financial donation, as well as filling a table at the event.
Kairos Prison Ministry
Volunteers attend several prison weekends during the year, and sometimes Calvary hosts the planning meetings as well. Many members offer prayers for participants in these programs.
