Sharing our Gifts to Address Needs in our Community
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35–36
Nothing gives Mariner Sands members more joy than to know that we have been a blessing to Martin County residents who have deep needs. We have helped the homeless, fed the hungry, provided funding to build a vegetable garden for families in a low-income complex and education grants to assist teachers in early childhood learning centers. These are just a few examples of how our Chapel reaches out to support the greater community.
White Dove Christmas Project
Each December House of Hope, a local nonprofit organization, distributes Christmas gifts to the children of needy Martin County families. Mariner Sands Chapel has lovingly supported this outreach since 1994 with our “White Dove Christmas for Kids” project.
Residents are invited to stop by the Chapel, adopt a “White Dove” from our Christmas tree and purchase the gifts requested or support the project by making a financial donation.
In 2025, 109 children in Martin County were “adopted” by residents and provided bikes, clothes and toys for Christmas.
Your Gifts at Work
| 2025 | ||
| Banner Lake Club | Staff Development | $10,000 |
| Banner Lake Club | New Room for Infants | $25,000 |
| Caring Children, Clothing Children | Shoe Vouchers | $8,000 |
| Caring Children, Clothing Children | Angel Fund | $1,000 |
| Family Promise | Storage Unit w/2-years rent | $5,184 |
| Our Community Table | Food Insecurity | $10,000 |
| $59,184 | ||
| 2026 | ||
| Caring Children, Clothing Children | Shoe Vouchers | $10,000 |
| Community Foundation | Food Insecurity | $5,000 |
| Christians Reaching Out to Society | Indiantown Food Bank | $8,000 |
| Tykes & Teens | Mental Health Program | $5,000 |
| $28,000 |
Grant Eligibility
To qualify for a grant from Mariner Sands Chapel, you must be:
- Christian-based, IRS-approved nonprofit organization
- Located in Martin County, and
- Provide quality help for needy without sectarian guidelines
Benevolence Committee
Suzanne Boehmcke
Judith Carlson
Paulette Craft – Chair
Sally Hillenbrand
Fran Gorman
Sandy Lappen
Dottie LeClair
Barbara McCarthy
Molly McGrath
Karen Rojeski – Treasurer
Stephanie Zirnkilton
