Employees at the station encouraged customers to purchase a full-sized candy bar to be donated to the parish. Ms. Euler delivered more than 2,000 candy bars to the church, which then donated them to the AGAPE organization that serves the less fortunate.

AGAPE is an all-volunteer group committed to helping the homeless and poor by providing meals and basic provisions. Parishioner Pat Dutkiewicz coordinates efforts on behalf of St. Joseph. On the third Tuesday of each month, parishioners donate food for him to take to Salem Lutheran Church, which provides a place to fix meals for AGAPE participants. Hundreds of people visit AGAPE for food on a daily basis.

“We are so grateful for this generous donation of candy bars. This year the need is much greater, and there is less to go around. This will surely bring joy to the countless people who need our help,” said Mr. Dutkiewicz.

During the season of Advent, members of St. Joseph also participated in the sixth annual Christmas food drive. Thousands of items were taken to the church altar during regularly scheduled Masses.

Deacon Ed Irelan coordinated this effort and volunteers from the Knights of Columbus Council 11320 transported four truckloads of donations to the recipient organizations, Assumption Outreach Center and the Queen of Apostles campus of Central City Ministry of Toledo Catholic School.