The Sts. Peter & Paul Altar Society met Wednesday, Nov. 13.

In continuing its educational series on the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy, this month’s focus was on “sheltering the homeless.”

Debbie Osborn, Department of Human Services child welfare specialist for 11 years, was the guest speaker.

She is actively planning the seventh annual Foster Teen Christmas Party, scheduled for Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Osborn stated that teens are more difficult to place in homes and most foster teens are in group homes or state facilities and often feel forgotten, especially at Christmas.

She said 75 teens are expected this year and each will receive a twin-size blanket as well as other gifts.

Although the event is DHS approved, it receives no funding from the state and is entirely supported by donations and volunteers.

The Altar Society voted to purchase $1,000 worth of gifts from the wish list.

An anonymous member volunteered to provide the soft drinks for the party and several others signed up to volunteer time at the party to assist with the food and games.

Francene Eaton reported that she had spoken to local law enforcement about the homeless people in Kingfisher.

They are generally referred to the Kingfisher Ministerial Alliance for short-term accommodations.

The group voted to donate $500 to Kingfisher Ministerial Alliance to aid in providing accommodations and gift cards for food.

In keeping with September’s lesson on “feeding the hungry,” four individual donations of $30 were received from members to be sent to the Kingfisher Public Schools child nutrition fund to pay for meals for a child for one month.

After the lesson, the monthly business meeting was held.

Cindy Gruntmeir reported that two pickle ball courts had been taped off and nets set up in Ross Hall. She gave a lesson to the youth group on pickle ball rules prior to the meeting.

The courts will be opened on Saturdays from 9 to 11 am. More times may be made available if the need arises.

The annual turkey dinner held on Nov. 3 was deemed to be a great success in spite of rainy weather.

A complete report will be given once all expenses are in.

Nearly 1,300 meals were served. The group was thanked by Chairmen Ann Finley and Cindy Wilzcek for their work.

The ladies were reminded that the December meeting will be the annual Christmas party at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Secret Sister gifts will be exchanged and the group will play Dirty Santa.

All women of the parish are invited to attend. Hostesses will be Cynthia Eaton, Carolyn Schulte and Karen Mueggenborg.

After reading the list of special intentions, the group adjourned with a prayer.