The following is a note from parishioner Cathy Larson to Jim Barrett regarding the storm relief effort underway in Cleveland. Contact information to volunteer and assist with the effort is provided.

Here is the link for the Hiwassee Chapter American Red Cross, Cleveland TN.  You asked what St. Mary can do??? The Hiwasse Chapter American Red Cross needs money money money!!! Make sure the checks are written out the the Hiwassee Chapter American Red Cross so the money stays in Cleveland.

The people of St Therese Parish have been wonderful!!! On Thursday a crew of many showed up at the church/designated Red Cross shelter, took over the kitchen and we did mass feedings relaying food out to the disaster areas. The food donation are pouring in, the people of Cleveland have been wonderful. Yes bring some of the food out of the church pantry to the food distribution site @ PEERLESS ROAD CHURCH OF GOD. 3301 PEERLESS ROAD NORTHWEST, CLEVELAND TN, just down the road from St Therese.

If any of the men or women of St Mary’s want to do disaster field work contact Travis Arnold @ 423-790-6132. Travis is out in the disaster field organizing workers and clean up crews. He may need food out in the field like sandwiches. If any one wants to be a SPONTANEOUS VOLUNTEER with the Red Cross go the the main office, from there you will be assigned a job.

Thanks for all your prayers…Cathy Larson

The youth of St. Mary’s, their parents and adult volunteers formed a clean up SWAT team of sorts yesterday afternoon. We had a GREAT turnout and literally swarmed the home of a local elderly woman to trim and remove overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, trim weeds and generally clean up the property.

In about two and a half hours we successfully transformed the property and witnessed Ms. Buchanan enjoying her new view from the front porch. For me, this made it all worthwhile.

Most of the group gathered at the Dairy Barn after the work was done, where we were treated to ice cream by Sue and Sissy. It was a great way to finish up a very rewarding afternoon. Thanks to our awesome youth for showing up and working so hard to make this elderly woman’s life a bit brighter.

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The McMinn County Animal Shelter located in Athens is in need of blankets or very large towels. With this cold weather they do not have enough blankets or warm towels for the animals. There are many small and medium size puppies and dogs there that need good homes, but until they are adopted they need to be kept warm.

Please contact Jo Coakley (568-2206) or the McMinn County Animal Shelter (744-9548) for additional information.