Food Collection
We have an ongoing partnership with St. Mary’s Food Pantry to distribute food to those in need. Annettes’ Food Drive is a group of parishioners who distribute Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets to the needy of our community.
First Weekend Food Donations
Through Decembrer 2024, Saint Stephen Parishioners have the opportunity to donate items for Saint Mary’s Church Food Pantry (in downtown Grand Rapids).
On the first full weekend of the month, at each of the weekend Masses, food and other donations will be collected, then provided to the Food Bank the following Monday.
History of Annettes' Food Drive
Annettes’ Food Drive is a group of parishioners who distribute Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets to the needy of our community. The food is collected through generous donations of Saint Stephen parishioners. They donate both food and cash. The cash collected is used to purchase additional items for the boxes and to purchase gift cards to enable the recipients to purchase and entree for their holiday meals.
One of these circles was Saint Ann’s Circle – named for the Mother of the Blessed Virgin. They called themselves Annettes. Their mission was to help the needy.
As more and more women became workers outside the home, the circles and guild disappeared. However, a small group of people kept the tradition of Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets alive. They asked men to join and kept the name alive, Annettes!
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
John 6:35
