Churches collecting food for Christmas baskets

When a person is in need, Sister Marie McGloin doesn't ask questions and she doesn't say no.

St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Community is collecting nonperishable food items for Christmas baskets it will give to the needy just prior to Christmas.

"We don't have any idea where the names of the needy families come from, but they come," McGloin said. "They call in to the church and the parishioners give names to the priest."

McGloin said in addition to the parishioners bringing in food for the baskets, J&M Furniture takes food collections.

"I don't go out to the highways and byways to find families in need," she added. "But we also help the Advocates to End Domestic Violence and the Mentor Center program."

The baskets will be put together Dec. 2, but collections have already begun.

"We collect canned goods, nonperishable food items on Sundays for the baskets," McGloin said. "Then, I buy the turkeys.

"If someone wants to contact us and donate turkeys or hams, that's fine, too. Then I can buy what is needed after that."

Also collecting for food baskets is Corpus Christ Catholic Church. Tommy Vicondoa, president of the St. Benedict Society, said the society has been collecting for the needy as long as it has been active.

"The numbers (of baskets given) might change a little from year to year, but last year we gave about 50 baskets," Vicondoa said.

"We try to help parishioners in need first, then others in the community.

"Whoever gives us their names, if we have enough they get a basket. Mostly those who are helped are by word of mouth."

Vicondoa said 100 percent of the contents in the basket are donated and it's all organized by the St. Benedict Society.

"We put the baskets together," he said. "And the stores have been good to us when we needs other items. They give us some kind of discount or in-kind donation."

"I feel very blessed we can do all these things at this parish," McGloin said. "It blows my mind how giving and caring these people are. They do this from the bottom of their heart.

"Christmas should be the whole year around - people are so giving. They're very generous and we are very blessed."

McGloin said the church recognizes there are always people in need.

"We don't seem to have a problem finding people - obviously there is a need," she said.

"I've been doing this 21 years, since I came."

Donations for St. Teresa may be dropped off at the church, 3000 N. Lompa Lane, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday or during Sunday Mass. For information, call 882-1968.

Items for Corpus Christi Catholic Church may be dropped off Thursday or Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or bring them during Sunday Mass. A bucket will be placed near the entrance door, at 5335 Snyder Ave. For information, call 882-1967.

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.