Ministry Opportunities for Community Outreach

There are many ministries and organizations in the New Kensington area that allow us to put our faith and talents into action. Scroll down or click on the icons below to learn more about some of the Community Outreach Ministries in the NKCC.

 
 

Community Clothes Closet (CCC)

“For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you made me welcome,
lacking clothes and you clothed me,
sick and you visited me,
in prison and you came to see me.”
Matthew 25:35-36

The Community Clothes Closet is a social outreach ministry started by Mount Saint Peter Parish.  The goal of this ministry is to provide members of our community who are in financial need with good quality clothing, footwear and hygiene items at affordable prices.  The CCC ministry was developed in 2011 and is currently housed at 1129 Leishman Avenue (the entrance is at the corner of Kenneth Avenue and Locust Street).  To date we have served hundreds of our brothers and sisters from the tri-city area (New Kensington, Arnold, Lower Burrell).  We seek to fulfill the gospel of Matthew by creating a positive, non-judgmental atmosphere.  Our customers are given a pleasant greeting and are asked how we may help them.  All items are priced at an affordable level.  Prices range from 25 cents to $5.00.  We are also able to offer truly needy customers the items they need immediately at no cost to them.

Check out the latest updates from the CCC’s Facebook page!

There are several different ways you can assist the Community Clothes Closet:

  • Donate new or gently used clothing and footwear. Donations are accepted during regular business hours at the CCC. You may also donate during non-business hours by leaving your items in the donation box located outside of the front door of the CCC.

  • Donate unused personal hygiene items such as deodorant, shampoo, bar soap, liquid soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream, disposable razors, and paper products.

  • Donate your time as a volunteer – you can work at the CCC as often as you want(see store hours below).

  • Donate financial aid to the CCC. Your monetary donation would be used when we need to purchase a necessary item for a customer who is not able to find a specific item or size in our inventory.

    • Check payable to “Community Clothes Closet” mailed to office at 100 Freeport Rd., New Kensington, PA. 15068

  • Share the information about this ministry with people in need. We welcome anyone in need to the CCC and will do our best to assist them.

  • Pray for this ministry. The economy has had a negative effect on many in our community. Please keep our customers and our volunteers in your prayers.

There is a great need for this type of ministry in our community.  Involvement in the Community Clothes Closet is a meaningful way to live your baptismal call.  Feel free to stop by the CCC during regular business hours to meet with a volunteer and discover what this ministry is about. 

The Community Clothes Closet
1129 Leishman Avenue
New Kensington, PA

Thursdays: 11am-1pm
Saturdays: 11am-1pm

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Have questions? Please contact Christina Discello at 724-448-5880.


Food Bank Volunteers

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In conjunction with the Westmoreland County Food Bank, the parish food bank receives and distributes food to those in need in our local community. Volunteers receive the food, prepare it for distribution and assist in the monthly on-site distribution.

There are approximately 55 volunteers who assist with the distribution of food on the first Wednesday of each month. A special blessing is said at morning Mass for volunteers. After Mass, volunteers set up bags in Marble Hall. At 9 a.m., volunteers unload the truck from Westmoreland County Food Bank and fill the bags with the food. Volunteers eat lunch together and enjoy fellowship. Then, between 1 and 3 p.m. clients arrive, and volunteers assist them by helping carry bags to their cars. Anyone with clearances can volunteer for part of the day or the whole day.

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In addition, a Trash and Treasure Sale is held each June to generate funds for dues and trucking fees. At Thanksgiving, the parish sponsors a food drive for non-perishable items, which are included in the December distribution along with a gift certificate to a local grocery store. 

To volunteer to assist with the monthly distribution, please call the Parish Office at 724-335-9877. If you are in need of food, please also contact the Parish Office to receive assistance.


Open Your Heart to a Senior

A United Way of Westmoreland County Senior Solutions Program

A program designed in partnership of interfaith, nonprofit and business communities to enhance the quality of life for citizens 60 years and older who reside in Arnold, New Kensington, Lower and Upper Burrell by providing volunteer companionship and assistance.

FREE SERVICES

  • Escorts to doctor appointments

  • Escorts to church services

  • Grocery shopping

  • Referrals to other Senior resources

  • Telephone reassurance calls

  • Caregiver Relief

                                                          
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

  • Training provided

  • Additional volunteers needed

  • Assignments based on careful matching of recipients with volunteers

 
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Sponsored by:
United Way of Westmoreland County
Women's Leadership Council
Area Churches
Private & Public Donations    
                                                                  
For more information:

CALL 724.224.3199 Lori Sendro, Program Director
or
724.335.6591 Maria Tallarico, Mt. St. Peter Coordinator


Knead Community Cafe

Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Friday 11:00am - 2:00pm (lunch)
Saturday 8:00am - 1:00pm (breakfast only)
Indoor dining and takeout service available.

Free Community Grab ‘n Go Dinners - Thursdays at 5:30pm

 
 

The Knead Community Café located in downtown New Kensington is committed to serving healthy dining options using fresh, local, and minimally processed ingredients as much as possible. The Knead’s philosophy is that all patrons are entitled to enjoy nutritious food and be treated with dignity regardless of their ability to pay.



Want to learn more? Check out the links below!

Knead Community Cafe Website
Knead Community Cafe Facebook page
Knead Community Cafe Instagram Page

Check out the latest updates from the Knead Cafe’s Facebook page.


Harvest for Haiti

The monthly Harvest for Haiti collection supports Haiti’s Rich in Mercy’s Education for Change fund and also supports small business development, agriculture, and the installation of fresh water wells in Haiti.

Click here to read an update from Mt. St. Peter parishioner Mitch Farrell about how our contributions are making a difference in Haiti.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Mitch Farrell at 724-994-0844.


Meals for the Homeless

Working with the Rivers of Life Outreach in Arnold and Trinity United Christian Church in Lower Burrell, NKCC volunteers provide meals for homeless individuals and families throughout their stay in these temporary housing situations.


Outreach Ministry

The Outreach Ministry accompanies parishioners and community members who seek financial and situational help, advocating and assisting them to access community resources and coaching them.