Local Outreach Efforts

Crispus Attucks Community Center 

Volunteers from St. Thomas serve in a rotation of local churches and civic organizations that regularly provide meals to the hungry at the Crispus Attucks Center in Lancaster's inner city.  St. Thomas annually provides a dinner just prior to Christmas. It features a home-cooked meal with homemade Christmas cookies for dessert. We also provide our guests with knitted items, including socks, hats, gloves, and scarves, many of which are made by parishioners.  We serve between 75 and 120 people at this meal.

Community Food Banks

Each Sunday St. Thomas collects food items for distribution at both the Lancaster and Columbia Food Banks.  These items are offered at the altar each week as a reminder that we all owe our daily bread to the grace of God.

Christmas Assistance

Each year, two or three needy families are "adopted" by the parish for Christmas assistance, which usually includes practical gifts, such as pajamas, warm coats, slippers, etc., as well as some children's toys.

St. Valentine's Day Underwear Tree

No, this is not some computer hacker's idea of a joke!  One of the items most often asked for by people seeking clothing help is underwear.  It is also one of the least frequently donated, which is why St. Thomas has an annual underwear drive in February. 

Discretionary Funds

Both the rector and the deacon have discretionary funds to help people who may need assistance making ends meet.  Small amounts may be provided to help pay heat or electric bills, purchase groceries or medications, or supply the last few dollars for a month's rent.

Our outreach efforts are not limited to the above.  Each year a series of special projects seeks to address other local needs.  In the past, St. Thomas has assisted Milagro House, Christ Home, and the Arch Street Center, among other worthy causes.  Anyone interested in assisting with our outreach efforts should contact Deacon Jane Miron.