Saint Elizabeth's Essentials Pantry

A Ministry of Christian Hospitality and Service to the Community, sponsored and supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke, and Portland Area Episcopal Congregations.

9:30am to 11am Tuesdays--enter at Park Street entrance

Pantry volunteers ready over 150 school backpacks with school supplies that were handed out the week before the 2008-2009 school year began.

The Pantry's Mission

"Let us with gladness present the offerings and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord."                                 

The Saint Elizabeth's Pantry seeks to be the hands of Christ sharing the fruits of His love with those in need. Open every Tuesdays from 9:30am to 11am in the Lower Parish Hall of the Cathedral Church of Saint Luke, Portland, the Essentials Pantry is a welcoming, no-barrier program of distribution of non-food essentials to the most needy among us, regardless of religious affiliation. The Essentials Pantry is also a place to relax, meet new friends and enjoy companionship.

What are non-food essentials?

"Do not neglection to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

The Essentials Pantry specifically distributes those things that are not covered by the federal food stamp program. These include such staples as diapers, soap, toilet paper, paper towles, feminine pads, shampoo, laundry detergent, deodorant, and cleaning supplies. We are always happy to accept toys and clothing for children also.

Our Clients

"...Truly I tell you, just as you did it to the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."

 
The Essentials Pantry serves all those in any need. We receive numerous referrals from many different area agencies including the Oxford Street Shelter and the Preble Street Resource Center. We serve and average of 120 adults every week, many of whom are immigrants or refugees for whom English is not their primary language.

How to Volunteer

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

 
There are currently seven volunteer teams from the greater Portlandare Episcopal congregations that serve the Pantry on a rotating schedule. Each Tuesday, a volunteer team is at the Cathedral from 9:30am to 11am to setu pthe Pantry, receive our clients, and clean up briefly at closing time.

We train volunteers as needed in the distribution process and the social and spiritual dynamics of the Pantry. If God has called you or your congregation to donate of your time and talent, please contact Pantry Director Richard Rasner at 772-5434 for more information on volunteering or donations. 

How to Donate

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

If God has called you or your congregation to donate items to this vital ministry please email Pantry Director Richard Rasner or call 772-5434. Richard will be happy to discuss the Pantry's most pressing needs or to make arrangements to be on hand to accept your donations at the Pantry.

If you would prefer to offer financial support, please contact Canon Vicki Wiederkeher at 772-1953 x-23. You may also mail checks payable to "Episcopal Diocese of Maine" (with Saint Elizabeth's Essentials Pantry on the memo line), 143 State Street, Portland, Maine 04101.