As you all know, the ongoing COVID situation still has a disproportionate impact on the most needy, despite increasing "return to work" and the assistance efforts of our government.  As always, some of the most needy 'fall through the cracks', and this is where St. Max Compassion Ministries try to operate, responding to Jesus' call to reach out in love, especially to the marginalized.

    During the COVID period, we have held three amazingly successful food drives: St. Max collected truck-loads of food and supplies as well as about $7,000 each time in cash, checks, and gift cards.  Since MANNA of Thousand Oaks cannot take another massive food collection at this time, we will again deliver the supplies to the food pantry at St. Paschal Baylon church.  Monetary donations are particularly welcome, and again we will  divvy it up among the 6 local agencies we regularly serve: MANNA; Angel's Way, Conejo Pregnancy Center, and Life Centers of Ventura County (the agencies that support mothers and babies); Heart-2-Heart (a foster care outfit); and L.A.M.P. (social services).  These agencies have all been struggling to meet the increased needs of their clients.

    We are aiming for our next Drive-By Drop-Off on Saturday morning 18 September from 8-11am.  As before, you just drive up to St. Max and there will be a group of volunteers waiting to take donations (cash or supplies) directly from your car.  If you are providing a check (which you can also drop off at the office or at Mass), please make it out to St. Max, with "Project Response" in the memo line.

    If you have questions, please call Norm Lamarra (818)636-4529 or email norm.lamarra@gmail.com -- as always, we give thanks for the consistent generosity of all St. Max parishioners who support our Compassion Ministries.