Saint Luke's outreach activities extend a helping hand to the greater community of Mount Vernon and our world in numerous and myriad ways, touching the lives of many. Saint Luke's members serve individually and collectively to offer support and enrich our community at large.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me - Matthew 25:35-36
Volunteers needed for the Hypothermia Program
We need volunteers to support our annual Ventures in Community Hypothermia Program (VIC HOP) by preparing a meal ahead of time and serving it at Rising Hope United Methodist Church, 8220 Russell Rd. Alexandria on the eight Wednesdays in February and March. A team of 4 - 5 volunteers will prepare dinner (main dish, salad & bread, vegetable, and dessert) for 35 people (25 for guests plus 10 for second helpings, staff and volunteers). The prepared meals need to be delivered to Rising Hope between 6:15P and 6:30P.
This is a vital ministry as it helps save the lives of our homeless neighbors. To volunteer, please click here.
Targeted Donations for Rising Hope Food Pantry
Rising Hope Food Pantry serves 150 - 200 families per week. The number of families that they serve has increased since the termination of enhanced SNAP benefits implemented during the pandemic.
Each month we will collect specific staple items for the food pantry. We are currently collecting cooking oil, canned tuna or chicken.
Collection boxes are in the narthex of the church.
Outreach Activities
Saint Luke’s is proud to be a major participant in worthy programs where many people’s lives are improved. The needs are great, so you are encouraged to be involved in this ministry. Please contact the church office or any of the organizers listed below to find out how your gifts of talent and treasure can make a significant impact on the lives of people in our community and the world.
Alice's Kids
Alice’s Kids provides Mount Vernon area kids in need specific items needed/wanted that they would not be able to receive otherwise—including corrective eye wear, dental work, athletic equipment, school field trip fees, choir uniforms and SAT/ACT fees. Each case is handled specifically to help children of low-income families receive items that that their parent(s) cannot afford, but need to succeed or build self-confidence.
Adopt a Kindergartner
For 16 years St Luke’s has been providing backpacks filled with school supplies to rising kindergartners at the Bryant Early Learning Center to ease parents’ budgets and help ensure a happy and successful transition to kindergarten. This year the church is expanding the Adopt-a-Kindergartener program to include kindergarten classes in local elementary schools, where the program is sorely needed. This year, St. Luke’s will be stuffing about 36 backpacks, including 25 for kindergarteners at Bucknell Elementary, and about 10 for the United Community Early Learning Center.
Angel Tree
In December 2022, we began partnering with the Fairfax County Homeless and Unaccompanied Youth Office to spread a little Christmas joy to unhoused high school students in our area. The Office of Homeless and Unaccompanied Youth (HUY) supports high school students ranging in age from 17 and 19 that are not living with a parent or guardian and are living in inadequate or temporary settings such as living with relatives that are not legal guardians, staying with a friend, in an emergency or transitional shelter, in motels, hotels or campgrounds or living in cars, parks or other public places. The staff provided us with a list of items that students need such as blankets, socks, hats and gloves.
Rising Hope Meals Ministry
Groups of volunteers prepare a meal for 50 people every third Sunday of the month. Many of these recipients are homeless and attend the Rising Hope Mission Church on Route 1.
If you are participating in this ministry and you need inspiration for what to prepare, here are some recipe ideas.
If you would like to participate in this ministry, please email Sue Webber at StLukesAssist@gmail.com
Hypothermia Outreach Program
Each year Ventures in Community (VIC) sponsors the Hypothermia Outreach Program. This program runs from December through March. A hot meal and a warm, safe place to sleep during the winter months is provided to unhoused people in the Route 1 corridor. The program runs from December through March. St. Luke’s participates in this program and volunteers provide and serve meals every Wednesday evening in February and March.
Outreach also supports the following programs:
Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza
Boy Scout Troop 654
Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East
Girl Scout Troops 612 & 922
St. Luke’s Day School Scholarship Fund
OutReach Funds Originate from The following Sources:
Annual Craft Fair
Lenten, Good Friday, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas offerings
Individual gifts
Annual Catesby Jones Barbecue
Pumpkin Patch
Church rental space for community events
