Dear St. Anne Parish Family,

As we approach Christmas and the close of the year, we want to share several updates from St. Anne Friends of the Needy and invite you to continue walking with us in this work of mercy.

This past Thanksgiving, we served over 400 families. With an average household size of 4.5, that means nearly 1,800 individuals received a turkey and a nutritious food box filled with holiday staples, fresh vegetables, fruit, and protein. We continue to be humbled by the gratitude of the families we serve and the generosity of this parish community.

As we prepare for Christmas, we are now accepting donations of turkeys or hams (fresh or frozen) for families in need, as well as toys for children under 10 years old. Thanks to the Knights of Columbus and many generous parishioners, a large number of toys have already been collected, especially for families who were not able to be added to our Christmas wish list but will still be coming to our Christmas distribution.

Donation drop-off: Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m @ 14 N. Cottonwood Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85234. Accepting turkeys/hams and toys until December 24th.  

One important development we want to share is the renovation of Building B (image below). This remodel has allowed us to open up the space and create a dedicated area for canned goods, baby items, hygiene supplies, and dry goods such as bulk bags of flour, rice, and beans. Within this newly renovated space, we have set up organized stations where food and supplies can be broken down efficiently and distributed with greater dignity and order. This improvement has already made a significant difference in how we serve families and manage the growing volume of donations.

As our ministry continues to expand, we are also facing new logistical needs. Due to limited space, we are seeking a walk-in or mobile refrigerated trailer. A 7 x 10 walk in or mobile unit would allow us to store approximately 130 crates of food while still providing space for volunteers to walk inside. The cost for such a unit is approximately $30,000. By comparison, a single commercial double reach-in refrigerator costs about $10,000 and holds only around 20 crates, making the mobile or walk-in unit a much more effective long-term solution.

In addition, we are hoping to acquire a forklift. On Sundays alone, we receive close to 5,000 pounds of food, which currently takes our volunteers about an hour to unload each cargo by hand (help needed - must be able to lift 80+ pounds - 6am - 8am). A forklift would allow us to safely and efficiently move food inside for breakdown and distribution, reducing physical strain on volunteers and allowing us to serve families more quickly. 

Another blessing this year has been opening volunteer opportunities to the public. This has allowed us to welcome non-Catholics into our ministry, many of whom are surprised to learn that we are a Catholic organization. Several have asked questions about our faith, the parish, OCIA and Mass times. In the midst of busy days, this has been a beautiful reminder that serving the poor is also a powerful way to evangelize and witness to the beauty and fullness of the Catholic Church.

We would also like to share a brief story that reflects the heart of this ministry (image below).

Danielle is a mother in our Gilbert community who comes to St. Anne Friends of the Needy with her family. Her four-year-old daughter has faced serious health challenges and has already undergone two open-heart surgeries due to a congenital heart condition. During seasons marked by medical appointments, hospital stays, and mounting bills, the added pressure of the holidays can feel overwhelming.

Through this ministry, Danielle’s family has received food and access to additional resources, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Being able to provide groceries, Christmas gifts, and gift cards has helped ease financial stress and allowed her family to focus on what matters most during the holidays: caring for her child and being together as a family.

Danielle shared how grateful she is for the support and compassion she has received, and how much it means to know that her family is not alone during such a difficult season.

Stories like Danielle’s are a reminder that behind every food box is a family, and behind every donation is a moment of real relief and hope.

If you would like to help support our mission, here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Consider making a monthly or year-end donation (link below)
• Offer Masses for the mission and volunteers of St. Anne Friends of the Needy
• Host a food drive or diaper drive
• Sign up to volunteer through our SignUpGenius
• Share this ministry with others who may feel called to serve

We also invite you to join our St. Anne Friends of the Needy Flocknote group if you have not already done so. This group is used to communicate updates and, on rare occasions, to reach out when we have an urgent need for volunteers due to last minute no shows. Messages are sent sparingly and only when truly necessary.

Donation link: 

Can't donate in person? Support our Mission by clicking here!

Volunteer SignUpGenius:

Volunteer here! 

Flocknote group link: 

Join our flocknote group!

As we near the end of the year, we humbly ask you to consider supporting our mission if you are able. With increased needs around Thanksgiving and Christmas, the number of families seeking assistance has grown significantly. Our commitment remains the same: to serve every family who comes to us with dignity and compassion.

Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and support. Please know that you and your families are remembered in our prayers, especially during this holy season.

May the Lord bless you abundantly.

Christ is King,

John Caballero, Director

St. Anne Friends of the Needy