The Red Doors Ministry invites our you to support immigrant and refugee families by participating in a Spice Drive for the St. Pius V Food Pantry. For three Sundays in October (5-19-26) they will be collecting much-needed spices — an often-overlooked but deeply meaningful gift.

Food is more than nourishment. The familiar flavors and scents of home can provide comfort, connection, and healing for those who are far from the place they once called home. Spices can awaken memories, preserve traditions, and bring joy to the table — especially for families adjusting to life in a new country.

The St. Pius Food Pantry has specifically requested the following staple spices: black pepper, red pepper, cumin, parsley, oregano, paprika, basil, and garlic powder. In addition, we invite you to get creative with spices that might appeal to families from diverse backgrounds including Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia, Afghanistan, Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Haiti, India, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Spices donated in large or bulk containers will be divided up into smaller portions by the food pantry volunteers.

They are also collecting cooking oil and laundry detergent, which are highly requested but not always available.

Please consider donating one or more of these items on the Sundays of Oct. 5, 19, and 26. Together, we can help provide not just food, but flavor — and a sense of home.

If you prefer to donate money to this cause, click here  — select General Contribution from the “Select a Fund” drop-down menu, and in “optional memo” type in Red Doors Ministry.

Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash