The following local charities are those that St. Thomas More parishioners have committed to helping over the years. Many other charities throughout the community are available and in need of the talents many of us possess!
Community Kitchen
Community Kitchen prepares and serves lunch daily for people in need of a meal. St. Thomas More provides volunteers on Thursdays from approximately 8:00 am to 1:30 pm (supervised by a Community Kitchen leader) to help set up, prepare and serve food, and clean up. Any amount of time volunteered is welcome. This ministry is available to volunteers age 16 and over only (as mandated by Community Kitchen management). Community Kitchen is located at 1237 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Paducah. Our parish also donates $400 per month to support this effort. Monetary donations are gratefully accepted (send checks to Parish Office; make payable to St. Thomas More and note Community Kitchen on the memo line).
Melanie Patel, melaniepatel@comcast.net
HEART USA
This community-based assistance program, fully staffed by volunteers, provides access to free or reduced-cost prescription medications for area people in need. The need and costs of medications have increased significantly every year. Adult volunteers are needed for answering phones and general office tasks. Short, flexible schedules are available for the hours of 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The office is conveniently located in the Lourdes Hospital complex. More volunteers are needed to serve the increasing client base.
Cheryl Boyd, 1530 Lone Oak Rd, 270-538-5828
Hope Unlimited
This community organization supports and empowers expecting parents and existing families through mentoring, support and by providing resources. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with general tasks in the “Hope’s Closet” thrift store, providing support for special events (set up, preparing materials, working at a booth, etc.), or mentoring (training is required and provided). In addition, adult men are needed to serve as mentors for the “Jobs for Life” program which assists men with job skills and placement (training is required and provided). Both occasional and regular volunteers are welcome; flexible hours are available. Youth volunteers are welcome for some tasks, with adult supervision.
Stacy Fickes: 270-442-1166 / sfickes@hopeunlimitedfcc.org
Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center
This organization provides free services to victims of domestic violence, including shelter for those in need. Adult volunteers are needed for various tasks. Orientation and training are provided.
Merryman House: 270-443-6001
Paducah Cooperative Ministry (PCM)
PCM has been ministering to the needs of the residents of McCracken County for more than 40 years. This ecumenical organization provides food pantry assistance, a homeless shelter, emergency relief, and more. Volunteers age 21 and over are needed to assist with food pick up or delivery, sorting/collecting donations, special events, and more.
Paducah Cooperative Ministry: 270-442-6795
West Kentucky Right to Life
This affiliate of Kentucky Right to Life offers information regarding life issues from abortion and euthanasia to stem cell research and cloning. New members are always welcome.
WKRTL President - Patty Corts: pcorts@comcast.net