Outreach Ministries

Farmworker Families Outreach Ministry

The Farmworker families outreach helps meet the needs of farmworkers and their families. Our goal is to build awareness about the difficult life circumstances of farmworkers and their families, while donating necessities (food, clothing, shores, coats, etc…).

Program website: https://farmworkerfamily.org/

Dr. Ann Lopez’s Address to St. Martin of Tours Parish – Watch Here

Support the Cloak Drive at St. Martin of Tours Parish and you are supporting the Farmworker Families. Thank you!! To volunteer please contact the Parish Office.

Annual Coat Drive

St. Martin of Tours Annual Coat Drive

The Story of St. Martin of Tours

On a bitterly cold day, according to legend, St. Martin met a poor man shivering at the city gate, clothed only in rags and begging for help. Having nothing with him but his weapons and his military cloak, Martin drew his sword, cut his cloak in two, and gave half to the man while wrapping himself in the other.

That night, in a dream, Martin saw Christ wearing the very half of the cloak he had given away, saying:

“Martin, still a catechumen, has clothed me with this cloak.”

This act of compassion became a lasting symbol of charity and mercy, reminding us that when we care for those in need, we serve Christ himself.

Coat Drive

In honor of our patron saint, we continue his legacy of generosity through our Annual Coat Drive. Parishioners and friends are invited to bring new or gently used coats, jackets, and sweatshirts for children and adults to any Mass from November 8–15, 2025.

All donated items will be distributed through our Food Box Program in November and December and to Watsonville farm workers on December 14th. Any remaining items will be shared with local homeless shelters and others in need.

When you wear a coat, you protect yourself from the cold. When you donate a coat, you wrap someone else in warmth, dignity, and care.

Volunteer Opportunities

Help us share warmth with neighbors in need! We’re collecting new and gently used coats and jackets during scheduled Masses—and volunteers are needed to help accept, hang, and sort donations by size.

Volunteer Shift:

Arrive 15 minutes before and stay 15 minutes after Mass.

Just show up !

Donation Days:

• Sat, Nov 8 – 4:45 PM

• Sun, Nov 9 – 8:15, 9:45, 11:15 AM

• Sat, Nov 15 – 4:45 PM

• Sun, Nov 16 – 8:15, 9:45, 11:15 AM

To learn more, please contact:
Aevanne Ni Sheoighe
☎ (408) 294-8953 ext 316

📨 asheoighe@stmartin.org

Food Support

Food Box Program – Serving Our Community

Receive a Food Box

Our Food Box Program is open to anyone experiencing food insecurity in our area — no registration or ID required. We distribute boxes filled with fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, bread, dry goods, and canned food, ensuring every household has access to healthy, nourishing options.

📦 When: The third Friday of each month, from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Where: In the parking lot at St Martin Of Tours

Everyone is welcome — please stop by and pick up a box for yourself or a neighbor in need.

Volunteer with Us

Volunteers make this program possible! We sort and set up food for distribution starting at 3:00 PM on the same Friday. Sorting, distribution and clean up last 1 -2 hours, depending on turnout.

This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families, or community groups to give back together. You don’t need to sign up in advance — just show up on the day you can help, and we’ll be happy to welcome you.

📅 Next Volunteer Day: November 21
🕒 Setup starts at: 3:00 PM

Helping Our Neighbors Through Food Shortages

Across Santa Clara County, local food banks and pantries are experiencing increased demand due to higher food costs, ongoing supply challenges, and reduced federal assistance. These factors have created temporary shortages that make it harder for families and seniors to access nutritious meals.

Your support truly matters — donations of non-perishable food, volunteer time, or financial contributions all help us restock shelves and reach more households in need.

If you or someone you know is food insecure, please connect with these trusted local resources:

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley – Find free groceries or prepared meals near you.
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County – Weekly food distributions throughout the county.
Santa Clara County Social Services Agency – CalFresh benefits and meal programs for individuals and families.
St Martin of Tours also has a small reserve of shelf stable food which we are happy to share. Please contact Aevanne at ☎ (408) 294-8953 ext 316 or 📨 asheoighe@stmartin.org

Every can of food, every dollar, and every hour of time makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. ❤️