St. Verena'sSupporting church outreach
Raising funds to purchase food, clothing, hygiene kits, and blankets for the regularly scheduled service events of our partner churches, and supporting other charities in the Tampa Bay area.
About us
In partnership with local Coptic churches, we support service to the homeless, the hungry, and the vulnerable with dignity, compassion, and unwavering faith.
How we work
St. Verena's Service works in partnership with our local Coptic Orthodox churches. We raise funds for the churches' regularly scheduled service events. Those funds are used to purchase items for these services and to support other charities in the Tampa Bay area.
St. Verena's Service does not host or plan these church-scheduled events. They are organized and led by the churches. For questions about a specific church event, please contact the hosting church. See our partner churches.
St. Verena's Service also hosts its own drives and one-time events, which are posted on our Events page.
Our mission
Rooted in the Coptic Orthodox tradition and inspired by the life of St. Verena, a saint known for her service, healing, and mercy, we are committed to being the hands and feet of Christ in a world that needs love.
We believe every person is made in the image of God and deserves care, respect, and hope. Whether someone is living on the street, struggling to feed their family, or facing a personal crisis, we support the churches and charities that meet them where they are with food, clothing, hygiene essentials, and the assurance that they are not forgotten.
We are a 100% volunteer-led, donation-driven charity. Every dollar and every item we receive goes directly to those in need. There are no salaries and no administrative costs taken from donations.
Our work is guided by Matthew 25:40: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
What we do
Seasonal drives
Organizing monthly collections of food, clothing, and hygiene items with local churches and communities.
Emergency response
Mobilizing volunteers and resources quickly during crises such as extreme weather, fires, or community displacement.
International giving
Supporting people in extreme poverty beyond our borders, especially in underserved areas of Africa and the Middle East.
Medical and legal guidance
Pointing neighbors to trusted medical and legal information, clinics, and referrals so they know where to turn next. We are not a medical or legal provider and do not give professional advice.
Student internships and volunteer credit
College and high school students can serve with us and earn verified volunteer hours, and we offer internship opportunities. Contact us to get started.
Our values
Faith first
Everything we do is rooted in our Coptic Christian faith. We serve with prayer, humility, and hope.
Service without self-gain
No one in our organization is paid. We give because Christ gave first.
Dignity in every interaction
We never reduce people to their needs. We see the person behind the pain.
Transparency always
Every gift is used for exactly what it was intended for: direct service.
We are a small charity with a big vision: to live the Gospel through action and remind people of their worth. We shake hands, share meals, listen to stories, and often shed tears alongside those we serve. We believe change comes from being present, being real, and being consistent.