Saint John’s Hospice (SJH), a ministry of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia (CCoP), will host a community giveaway event on Saturday, October 25, to mark the successful completion of its fifth annual “Boot Up Philly” initiative.
Volunteers from Independence Blue Cross Blue Crew will gather together on Friday, October 24, to prepare for the event by sorting donations and making 200 turkey and cheese sandwiches.
Friday, October 24, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Event Preparation)
Saturday, October 25, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Boot Up Philly)
Archdiocesan Pastoral Center
222 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, the Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia who oversees CCoP as part of his administrative and pastoral responsibilities, and Mrs. Heather Huot, Secretary and Executive Vice President for CCoP, will be in attendance on Saturday. Both will offer brief remarks at 9:00 a.m.
Boot Up Philly benefits Philadelphians experiencing homelessness and impacted by poverty. It will feature SJH and CCoP staff and volunteers distributing footwear, personal care items, and socks to those in need. In addition, the Philadelphia Region of The Order of Malta will distribute winter coats, and the Knights of Columbus will distribute children’s cold-weather essentials.
Funds raised will help SJH purchase cold-weather essentials such as coats, footwear, socks, and undergarments for more than 1,500 individuals and families experiencing homelessness prior to the upcoming winter season. This year’s fundraising goal is $150,000. Those interested in supporting SJH’s efforts to assist our neighbors experiencing homelessness and poverty can learn more here.
This year’s event sponsors include Independence Blue Cross, Firstrust Bank, the Mulholland Family, Connelly Foundation, Devine + Partners, the Brennan Family, WSFS Bank, the Connell Family, Haley Paint Co., and The Coca-Cola Company.
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Editor’s Note: SJH was established in 1963 by Monsignor Anthony J. O’Neill, Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Center City Philadelphia, and The Little Brothers of The Good Shepherd, as an outreach ministry to serve and assist those experiencing homelessness and poverty in Philadelphia. Today, SJH has residences that serve approximately 150 individuals transitioning from homelessness to independent living annually, meal services for more than 200 community members each day, mailroom services for more than 1,700 individuals, as well as case management and medical and behavioral healthcare services. To learn more about Saint John’s Hospice, please visit saintjohnshospice.org.