Gifts to Needy

Policy:

St. Paul Orthodox Church will provide gifts to the needy of the Parish as it financially able to do as part of its Orthodox Christian Mission.

Guidelines:

1. Priority will be given to St. Paul members.
2. Money can be given to non-members of the Parish.
3. The Pastor of St. Paul with the consultation of the Parish Council Chairman, if requested, will make the determination of need and the amount of funds provided.
4. Gift Levels:
   1. Maximum $ 250 gift to Members of the Parish
   2. Maximum $ 200 gift to non-members of the Parish
   3. Maximum of $ 100 for a second gift to a Parish member within 6 months of the first gift.
5. Any Gift request that exceeds these limits must be approved by the Parish Council.
6. All payments will be made by check to the specified company, government agency, or entity and not given as cash to the person requesting the aid.
7. The gifts can be given for helping with utility costs, car repairs so they can go to work (no public transportation available), late tax payments, food (grocery store gift card), and any other need that the Pastor deems appropriate.
8. Gifts will only be made from this fund or direct contributions from individuals.
9. Strict confidence concerning gifts etc. must be maintained.
10. Communication with other Parishes in the Lehigh Valley Orthodox Brotherhood is appropriate, especially if there is a concern that someone is trying to tap multiple churches for their personal gain.