I was hungry and you gave me food.
– Matthew 25:35
Due to the economic impact of COVID-19, many Contra Costa County residents now face underemployment, unemployment, food insecurity and hunger, as California’s unemployment rate, currently 15.5%, continues to increase each month.
Food for Families Program
In response to this critical need, concerned parishioners at St. Stephen’s have launched the Food for families program to augment our current support of the Monument Crisis Center, located in Concord and serving Contra Costa County. The Monument Crisis Center currently distributes food to 320 households per day, about triple the number before the pandemic. St. Stephen’s has been a long-time supporter and you can learn more about this tremendous organization’s website.
We hope you will consider supporting Monument Crisis Center through Food for Families with one or more of the options below.
Make a one-time or periodic monetary donation*
To jump start this effort, Food for Families has established a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge grant. This will double the impact of your cash contribution (up to $6,000). All donations above the challenge grant level will also go directly to Monument Crisis Center.
Make a six-month financial commitment*
If 200 people commit to donating $50 per month for the next six months, Monument Crisis Center would receive $60,000! If you are not ready to make a six-month financial commitment, please consider making an initial donation now. Any gift, of any size, helps Monument Crisis Center in this crucial work!
Continue donating food.
Currently the specific needs are low-sugar cereal, peanut butter, pasta (spaghetti), canned vegetables and canned fruits (regular sizes, not “Costco size”). These are the five items most needed by the pantry. Food can be placed in the containers in the church lobby narthex, which is always open.
Pray for our neighbors and for the success of this ministry.
By working together as a community, we can serve others and make a significant impact!
Payment Options*
*(all payments tax deductible)
You can support the Food for Families program with your donation by credit card, Venmo, check or bill pay through your bank. Additional information is as follows:
Credit Card
You can schedule a single or recurring Credit Card donation by making a secure online donation, and selecting Food for Families in the Donation Allocation field. Additional information can be entered in the Giving Details section.
Venmo
For Venmo donations, use the existing handle: @Saint-Stephens and indicate Food for Families in the description/comment section.
Check
Donations by Check can be sent to the St. Stephen’s Parish Office at 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda, CA 94563. Please indicate Food for Families – Monument Crisis Center on the memo line.
Bill Pay
Donations by Bill Pay can be set up through your bank’s bill pay function for either a one-time or recurring payment. In the “account number” area, indicate your name to be recognized for your donation and in the memo area indicate Food for Families – Monument Crisis Center.
You can also make a financial contribution directly to Monument Crisis Center or Text MCC to 414-44.
For any questions regarding payment options for this program, such as recurring monthly or electronic payments contact us.