PORTSMOUTH — St. Mary's Episcopal Church’s long-standing friendship with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLKC) in Newport culminated over the holidays with something “close to a miracle,” one parishioner said.

“We, as a parish, during the season of Advent and Christmas (about 30 days) collected 1,700 pounds of food and personal items for the MLKC,” said parishioner Judy Hall.

Each church member was challenged to place a nonperishable or personal item in a bag every day for 30 days, she said.

“Each Sunday, parishioners turned in their items and started all over again. As the food stacks began to grow, they were formed into two giant, lighted 15-foot ‘food trees,” said Ms. Hall.

The trees stayed lit each day of Advent and Christmas and were located in the St. George’s Chapel for all parishioners to view. 

“They were beautiful to look at and a lovely reminder that there are folks in our community who are hungry and need our help,” Ms. Hall said, adding that the parish has donated more than 5,000 pounds of food to MLKC to date. 

More outreach

Other outreach activities the congregation engages in to support the MLKC include:

• For the Food to Friends program, parishioners deliver and stock nonperishable items, meats, produce and household goods, including for people who don't have means or mobility. In the summer, volunteers seek donations of fresh, locally grown produce from local farmers’ markets.

• Parishioners bake treats for the MLKC’s breakfast program, which provides meals to seniors and the residents they serve. 

• For the last five years, parishioners have participated in the “Giving Tree,” purchasing toys, books, gift certificates and clothing, and gift-wrapping items for MLKC’s children. This year, more than 125 gifts were purchased and delivered to the center for its two-day Holiday Workshop.

• Parishioners collaborated on a fashion show and luncheon last year in which volunteers from the MLKC and church modeled clothing from St. Mary’s thrift shop, Proceeds were shared among the center and the church.

“We have a beautiful partnership, and one we plan to continue cultivating for years,” said Ms. Hall.