DID YOU KNOW?
MAGNIFYING THE GOOD WE CAN DO
A behind-the-scenes look at St. James’ Grants Program and the thrift sales that make it possible
Q What is St. James’ Grants Program?
A For many years, St. James’ has supported non-profits in our city through financial grants. The Grants
Committee is a group of parishioners from across the parish who review applications, make site visits, and
recommend awards to the Vestry. We focus on agencies that provide direct services to meet the needs of
under-served communities across New York City, giving priority to small, community-based agencies with
budgets under $300,000. In recent years, we have awarded grants ranging from $2,500 to $6,000 to nearly
twenty agencies whose missions align with St. James’ priorities: food, shelter, education, and justice.
Q Where does the money come from to fund the Grants Program?
A The fall and spring Second Time Around Thrift Sales, Antiques & Treasures, the Children’s Pop-Up
Sale at the Parents Luncheon, and the Christmas Boutique raise approximately $85,000 every year, which
completely funds the work of St. James” Grants Committee and also provides some funding for Episcopal
Charities summer camp programs.
Q That’s a lot of money! Why else are the sales important?
A There is a vital sense of community among the volunteers, who feel strongly about their contribution of
time and talent to the sales and who feel connected to their customers, many of whom are loyal visitors to
the sales. More than 70 volunteers make this particular work possible, from gathering regularly to sort, size,
price, and hang all the donations that come in, to volunteering at the sales themselves.
But the Thrift Sales are also about the connection between St. James’ and our neighbors. Many
parishioners know the great bargains they find on clothes and other items. But most who shop aren’t our
parishioners; they are people who work in our neighborhood, participate in our meals programs, or come
from the wider metro area because of a referral from a friend. For those
on tight budgets, our sales can help shoppers maximize the value of
their dollars and are an important resource for finding reasonably-priced
Now the whole
clothing, shoes, gifts, household items, and more.
group of those
And at the day’s end, everything unsold either goes to our friends
at St. Ann’s Church in the South Bronx for distribution or to be recycled
who believed
through H&M’s rewear, reuse, recycling program.
Q How can I get involved?
A Donations for our Second Time Around and Antiques & Treasures
sales are welcomed year-round, and your contributions are a great
help. We are always looking for more parishioner volunteers to help
sort, prepare, and staff the sales. You can contact Grace Beacham
([email protected]) to learn more, or reach out to Susana Ferrer
([email protected]) to l earn about the work of the Grants Committee.
were of one
heart and soul...
there was not
a needy person
among them.
Acts 4:32-34
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