On any given night in Baltimore City, nearly 3,000 people experience homelessness. The Christmas season brings joy and unity to our community; however, for many of those we serve downtown, the season brings with it the reminder of their solitude, as well as deeper loneliness and melancholy. Every year the SALT team works hard to bring the light of Christ to these men and women during the holiday season. For the past four Christmas holidays, we have organized the collection and distribution of shoe boxes filled with goodies as a gift to those who would otherwise not receive a Christmas present.

Rather than collecting supplies and having an assembly day, we are hoping that families and individuals will sign up to assemble boxes at home and drop gift-wrapped boxes to OLPH during the weekend Masses of December 12/13 to OLPH Church.

The hope is that Boxes for Baltimore becomes a relational ministry for both our friends downtown, as well as our parish family. May your time assembling these boxes with your friends/family allow you to grow deeper in relationship with one another through doing the work of Christ, and ultimately growing in holiness as a community as we go BEYOND to serve our sisters and brothers in Christ. 

Get together with neighbors, a parish small group, family etc. and make boxes! (See instructions below).

Sign up HERE to let us know approximately how many boxes will make.

Spread the word! We have only been able to grow this ministry so greatly because of our amazing, interconnected community.

Pray for the project, our mission, and those who will be receiving the boxes.

• 1 grocery bag 
• 1 bottle of water
• 2-4 toiletries (travel-sized Toothbrush/paste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
• 3-4 snacks (Granola bars, candy, crackers, etc.)
• 1 hand warmer & toe warmer 
• 1 piece of warm clothing (socks, gloves, hat, etc.)
• NOTE: BOMBAS socks have gifted the SALT ministry with MANY socks, if you would like to make use of these socks, you can stop by the parish office front porch between December 1 and December 11 to take as many socks as you would like for your boxes.
• 1 $5 gift card (7-eleven or Dunkin Donuts are suggested)
• 1 Christmas card/note of encouragement

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support for this ministry. Every single way you can help is instrumental in making this happen. Amazing things are achieved when working together all for the glory of God! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me, Kelly Sliker at kelsliker@gmail.com.