Thanks so much for the generous contributions of coloring books, crayons, sidewalk chalk, and other items for Gateway Homeless Shelter in honor of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!

Twenty cloth bags were delivered to the Shelter on Saturday, May 18, and distributed at a workshop designed to help parents maintain and strengthen family ties during their stay at the shelter.

While the shelter is a safe place, it is not easy for families to live there as there are few opportunities for privacy, and most residents have experienced trauma and have lost most or all of their possessions while becoming homeless.

The items we donated will help parents and children have fun together. In addition to supplies donated by St. Philip’s, each bag contained a rose and description of “The Rose Ceremony,” a bedtime ritual that can help families strengthen their ties. A copy is posted on the bulletin board.