In June 2024, the Stewardship Team launched an initiative to support people facing the long-term hospitalization of a loved one. The St. Louis Church Hospital Ministry provides gift bags to family members of desperately ill patients in partnership with the Social Work and Family Services Department at UR Medicine's Strong Memorial Hospital. Social workers identify family members of severely ill patients, specifically family members with far distances to travel, financial need, or other hardships.

Gift bags contain practical items, such as parking passes, cafeteria and coffee shop gift cards, and gift shop vouchers where loved ones can obtain forgotten essentials (i.e., a decent toothbrush, other toiletries, a pack of gum, etc.). Most importantly, gift bags will include a prayer and a few words of kindness and fellowship from the St. Louis faith community. We will let them know we are here, praying for them, and that they are not alone.

Your donation to this ministry is greatly appreciated.