“Pack them with love,” was one person’s advice to a parishioner on his way to St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Canonsburg.
Congregants did just that as they decorated 152 large paper bags with colorful drawings and uplifting messages for senior citizens unable to welcome visitors since March due to pandemic-related precautions.
In June and July, the Bags of Love initiative brought together a total of 15 adults and children working in small teams on three separate days. Participants maintained physical distancing and wore masks as they worked to decorate and pack bags.
In addition to uplifting messages, each bag was packed full of useful paper products, snacks, a tea towel, and a neighborly note before being lovingly hung on residents’ doorknobs.
The parish delivered 104 Bags of Love to residents of Canon House on June 8 and 48 bags to residents of Canon Apartments on July 9. Both senior living centers are just one block from the Canonsburg church.
The ministry was the brainchild of Rita Smiddle, the Junior Warden. She organized the outreach opportunity so the St. Thomas’ Church family could work together while taking health precautions during the pandemic.
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church has long maintained neighborly ties with Canon House. Members of the Canonsburg parish ordinarily organize a monthly worship service and a games night for residents.
St. Thomas’ is located at 139 North Jefferson Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317