Since 2013, St. Mary's has been supporting The Bridge, an area community non-profit whose mission it is empower women, children and men to foster social change through education which works toward the elimination of domestic violence in Burt, Cuming, Dodge, Saunders and Washington Counties in Nebraska. We support their efforts by placing a "Jesse Tree" in the parish's front foyer which has paper Christmas ornaments identifying needs (i.e., clothing items; food items; cosmetic items; etc.) for the particular year. (The 'Jesse Tree' idea stems from the Hebrew Scriptures that Jesse, as the father of King David, was the first person in the genealogical line of Jesus. Also see: Isaiah 11:1) During all of Advent, parishioners and guests are welcome and encouraged to "take home an ornament" and come back with a "present" wrapped and ready for The Bridge and its client base.

Volunteer Opportunities:
In mid and late November, interested volunteers contact the not-for-profit to learn about what particular items may be needed, craft the corresponding ornaments, and place the tree in the foyer. Toward the end of Advent, preparations are made to deliver the presents and gift items to The Bridge's local office. Consequently, drivers are needed just before Christmas.

Habitat for Humanity has been one of the parish's best Outreach efforts in recent years. It has been a magnet for newcomers to St. Mary's as well as a great volunteer outlet for long-time members. The most-recent effort occurred with the rehab of a single-family home in northeast Blair in 2013. Parishioners, as part of an ecumenical effort within Blair, actively participated at two different workdays and St. Mary's was present at the final presentation when the rehab project was formally dedicated to the new family and the house was blessed by Fr. John Symonds. St. Mary's-Blair has a long tradition of parishioners who have created and built numerous portions of our own beloved church. With the presence of Habitat in Blair, those same skill sets and gifts can be shared with the greater community. To learn more about Washington County builds in general, contact Janneane Gerot (402) 884-6691 or jgerot@habitatomaha.org

Volunteer Opportunities:
Primarily those willing to clean and perform certain build jobs (existing structural tear-down, drywall prep and set-up, rough carpentry, etc.) are brought together under the leadership of the Habitat site's fore person. Additionally there is a need to provide donated breakfast and/or lunch items too.

For the last two years, St. Mary's has been participating in Blair's CROP Walk for Hunger in mid-October. CROP Walks are part of the national efforts of Church World Service (CWS) [link] and "are community-wide events organized by religious groups, businesses and schools to raise funds to end hunger in the U.S. and around the world" according to CWS's mobile app. The parish, along with other churches from Blair, joins in the event to not only raise moneys but just as importantly awareness about the constant need of addressing those with hunger issues, both locally and globally. The Blair CROP Hunger Walk is usually a three-mile circuit in the heart of Blair. A portion of the proceeds from the one-day event come back to the Blair/Washington County community as a quarter of all moneys raised is given back to the community by CWS. The Washington County Ministerial Association is oftentimes that community beneficiary along with the Washington County Food Pantry.

Volunteer Opportunities:
In late September and early October, walkers begin to solicit donations for the upcoming event. Additionally volunteers are requested at the participating churches as water and aid stations along the walk route need to be manned.