Congregations Around Richmond Involved To Assure Shelter (CARITAS) is a group of area churches working together to provide shelter for the homeless of the Richmond community. During the week of Thanksgiving each year First Baptist Church hosts the homeless by providing shelter, food, and other services.

Preparations for this year’s CARITAS program to be held November 19 through 26 are well underway. As we seek ways to express our gratitude to God for all the blessings in our own lives and for the greatest gift yet to come (Christmas is just around the corner), consider how God might be nudging you to help. For more information please contact Charlie Ball or any CARITAS team member at 358-5458 ext. 201. This year, FBC will host 80 men. Please consider the following opportunities as we seek to put God’s love in action by serving those less fortunate than ourselves. 

Laundry Service - Many of our guests will have dirty clothes which need to be laundered.  Consider laundering 1-2 loads of clothes.  Contact Susan Bethel for more information @ 358-5458, ext. 201.

Clothes Closet - Consider a donation of new underwear, t-shirts, white crew socks or other gently used articles of clothing. Orange totes will be located in the main hallway for your contributions.

Participate in Thanksgiving Day Dinner - Join us at 1 p.m. for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Turkey, dressing and gravy will be provided. Bring a ham, a side dish or dessert and spend time sharing a meal with our CARITAS guests. Arrive at 12:30 p.m. to help prepare the feast to be held in the dining hall. Everyone is welcome. Contact Vicky Nicholau for more information @ 358-5458, ext. 201.

Consider a Monetary Donation to help offset additional expenses incurred as a result of the large number of men we will host.  Checks can be made payable to First Baptist Church; please write CARITAS on the memo line of your check and give to any CARITAS team member or take to the church office. 

Clothing Items:
            Men’s underwear (Med 32-34, Lg 36-38)
            Men’s Tee-shirts  (Large, X Large, XX Large)
            Men’s Crew Socks
            Men’s Pants (32-36 waist)
            Men’s Coats (all sizes)
            Men’s Shoes (all sizes)

Toiletry Items:
            Toothpaste (Medium size)
            Tissues (Personal size packets)
            Stick deodorant
            Personal hand sanitizers
            FREEDENT chewing gum

Bingo Prizes:
            Bus Tickets/Tokens
            Batteries - AA
            Flashlights
            Travel Mugs
            Heavy Gloves
            Neck Scarves
            Rain Ponchos
            Umbrellas
            Back-Packs
            Walk-man           

Miscellaneous:
            Stamps & Greeting Cards
            Puzzle Books ( Word Search) 

Orange Totes marked “CARITAS” are located in the main hallway for your donations.