Charitable Organization and Mission: Get on the Bus (GOTB) is the focus for this summer’s outreach collection. Get on the Bus unites children with their mothers or fathers currently in prison by providing free bus transportation to the prison. Children (and their guardians) “get on the bus” to travel several hours to visit their incarcerated parent for the day. Many of these children have not seen their parent in years.

Almsgiving (Corporal Works of Mercy – Visit the Imprisoned): Saints Simon & Jude parish will be providing each child with a backpack filled with age-appropriate travel games, activities and snacks for the five-hour-long bus ride to the California State Prison and Substance Abuse Training Facility, both in Corcoran, CA.

We are looking to fill backpacks for 84 children enrolled in the program. Prayerfully consider donating one or more items from the list to the left. Please bring your donations to the Mission Outreach table located near coffee and donuts after all Masses on July 12th and 13th or to the Parish Office by Monday July 14th.

Prayer:  Lord, we ask for mercy for the little ones who are separated from their parents due to imprisonment. Please bless their day together. May the memories they make during this visit bring them comfort and sustain them in their challenging circumstances. We pray for your guidance in helping them find forgiveness and healing for a future filled with reconciliation and restoration. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Click Here to donation via the Amazon Wish List!

Items Needed (new items only):

· Stuffed Teddy Bears (10” to 12”)

· Fleece or microfiber blankets

    (no larger than 50” x 60”)

· Activities for a long road trip:

* Coloring books, colored pencils, crayons

* Search & Find Books

* Sticker Books

* Journals & Pens

* Fidget toys

* Playing Cards, Uno

· Snacks:

* Capri Sun drinks, boxed apple juice, disposable water bottles

* Single-serving packages of goldfish,  Teddy grahams, or cookies

* Fruit Rolls

* Granola Bars (No Nuts)

· Note cards & stickers (to write a note for the child)

· Hand sanitizer

· Travel pack tissues