Saturday, December 23rd 9:00 a.m. − 3:00 p.m.

I never met her, but Mimi Adams is a woman to admire. She saw people homeless and hungry and did something about it. She was a woman of profound vision and action and a long-time member of St. Augustine's.

Twenty-two years ago she enlisted her family and friends and got St. A's to give her the parish hall in which to feed hungry people on Christmas Eve. That event was the beginning of FAITH (Family Assistance Involving The Homeless), a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the homeless in Santa Monica.

For 21 years Mimi's organization has been feeding 300-500 people in the parish hall at St. A's on Christmas Eve. It's been truly a grass-roots effort. Mimi, her husband, their children, their school friends and their parents all pitched in. Many hands made light work, but Mimi was always the driving force that pulled it all together and kept it going year after year.

Sadly, Mimi passed away last year but there are still people who are hungry and homeless at Christmas time. It is everyone's desire to see the Holiday Luncheon continue on in her memory. St. A's has been invited to become a more active partner and co-sponsor the event. Our main contribution this year will be to provide bags of travel-sized toiletries to be given to each guest.

Everyone at St. A's has the opportunity to be a part of this important ministry. The quart-size zip-lock bags will each contain a toothbrush, and travel-sized toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and shampoo. You may donate the individual items or completed bags. Beginning November 19th and continuing until December 17th, there will be bins in the narthex to collect these items.

Because Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, the luncheon will be on: Saturday, December 23rd, from 9 a.m. − 3:00 p.m.

Volunteers will also be need to help with set-up and clean-up on the day of the luncheon. If you can help, sign-up sheets will be on the patio. Any questions? Speak to the Rev. Pat Hendrickson.