SCRANTON – Under two pop-up tents near the Connell Park pool, children and families browsed through brightly colored beach towels and swimsuits on Saturday, July 11, 2026, searching for just the right size and design.
But the display wasn’t a summer sale.
It was another act of quiet generosity by parishioners from Mary Mother of God Parish, who were distributing free swim supplies to local kids as part of the parish’s 10th annual Summer Swim Drive.
The giveaway at Connell Park was the third of several poolside distributions coordinated by volunteers from the parish’s Community and Service Coordinating Team. Throughout late spring, the group collected hundreds of new towels and swimsuits, along with sunscreen, goggles, flip flops, and other swimming essentials from parishioners.
“It is our tenth anniversary that our group has collected swim supplies for children and families that don’t necessarily have what you and I have,” Jennifer Pitts, Coordinating Team leader, explained.
The colorful display included everything from Bluey-themed towels to striped swim trunks and bathing suits carefully organized by size, making it easy for children to find just what they needed before enjoying a day at the pool.
The ministry effort began a decade ago after Pitts’ daughter took her first summer job as a lifeguard at Weston Park.
“She would come home at night and say there were people swimming in their clothes, people swimming in their pajamas, people swimming in their jeans, and they would go home dripping wet because they had no towels,” Pitts recalled. “That is how it all started. She came and told us about a need and our group decided to get together and do mission that is now 10 years strong.”
Prior to the Connell Park distribution, volunteers had already visited Weston Park and Weston Field, distributing at least 120 towels at each location along with many other swimming essentials.
For volunteer Lisa Michaels, the outreach reflects what parish life is meant to be.
“This is important because it’s part of being Church in the community, doing good things for people who might be less fortunate, but just being kind and doing random acts of kindness,” Michaels said. “It is such a wonderful feeling to give back to the community, to do God’s work and help others.”
Pitts credits the generosity of fellow parishioners for making the ministry possible year after year.
“We’re very grateful for our parish which has come through once again to donate all these items,” she said. “They do it year after year.”