Seasonal Programs

Throughout the year, we offer seasonal events and programs. This enables us to provide guests with experiences, resources, and community connection to enhance their lives beyond nutritional support.

St. Peter’s Garden of Love

Our community garden is tucked away next to the parking lot of St. Peter’s, and volunteers have tended it since 2015. Many groups have come to volunteer on nights and weekends to make the garden a reality. We grow a variety of vegetables to supplement our pantry program.

Backpack Program

To prepare students for the start of the school year, St. Peter’s Kitchen and St. Monica Church work together to distribute backpacks of school supplies. Beginning in early August, families can sign up to receive backpacks full of supplies their child will need to succeed in the coming school year. Backpacks will be distributed at the end of August.

Thanksgiving Baskets

As part of our pantry program, families can sign up to receive a full Thanksgiving meal. We pack up everything a family needs to have a full Thanksgiving dinner, like stuffing mixes, cranberry sauce, a turkey or chicken, and vegetables, all collected through donations. The window for sign-ups begins in October, and baskets are handed out on the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Christmas Toy Store

In the middle of December, we host a toy store where parents, grandparents, or guardians can come and “shop” for toys for their children or loved ones. Beginning in November, we start taking donations of new toys for children ages 0-12, as well as blankets, books, and children’s coats, with much of our inventory donated by Dreams from Drake. Each family can take several toys per child. This provides children with Christmas gifts and joy that their families would struggle to provide otherwise.

We also refer those interested in a Christmas food basket to Southwestern Ecumenical Ministries (SWEM).

Holidays Throughout the Year

We also celebrate holidays throughout the year with special meals and giveaways. Holidays include Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, and Festivus. Additionally, we celebrate guests' birthdays with a cake for the individual.