Join Us for the 21st Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon!
Empty Bowls is more than a fundraising event—it’s a powerful reminder of the hunger experienced by many in our community and a chance for all of us to take part in meaningful change. Guests share a simple meal and take home a handcrafted bowl, symbolizing the empty bowls faced by individuals and families who struggle each day.
Proceeds from this event directly support the Samaritan Center’s work, providing food and essential services to those experiencing hunger and homelessness. Tickets can be purchased for lunch only, or lunch and a commemorative bowl. Whether you attend, sponsor, or make a donation, your participation helps ensure that fewer of our neighbors face empty cupboards and difficult choices.
We invite you to join us in this effort. Together, we can fill more bowls, support more families, and strengthen our community one meal at a time.
Buy Your Tickets Here!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Coming Soon: People of Hope — A Nationwide Storytelling Experience
Catholic Charities USA is launching People of Hope, an immersive, two and a half year traveling exhibit that celebrates powerful, faith filled stories of neighbors helping neighbors. Thanks to a major Lilly Endowment grant, this retrofitted tractor trailer will tour the country beginning in 2026 — and it’s headed to Chemung County (5/4) and Rochester (5/7).
Visitors will step inside to hear moving firsthand accounts from Catholic Charities staff and volunteers, witness moments of service that transformed lives, and even record their own stories of hope.
Stay tuned for dates, details, and how you can be part of this inspiring national journey.
ADVOCACY ALERT: The Bring It Home Campaign needs your help urging New York State to fully fund mental health housing in the 2026-2027 State Budget.
Why Your Letter Matters:
• The Governor’s proposal includes only a 1.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII)—but 2.7% is needed just to keep pace with inflation.
• Without the full 2.7%, mental health housing programs face cuts that affect rising operational costs like food, utilities, insurance, transportation, and staff wages.
• We must advocate NOW to ensure these programs receive adequate funding.
How to Help:
• Click the link below.
• Enter your street address, zip code, and full name. A pre-written letter will automatically be sent to the Governor and NYS Legislators
You can send the e letter more than once—and please share the link with others!
👉 Send E Letters Here!
MARCH EVENTS
March 2 – Guthrie MOM Unit, 160 High Street, Elmira, 9:00am – 4:00pm
March 16 – Last Day to Become a Sponsor for Empty Bowls
March 19 – Last Day to Purchase Empty Bowls Tickets
March 24 – 21st Annual Empty Bowls, Notre Dame High School, 11:30am – 1:00pm
APRIL EVENTS
April 3 – AGENCY CLOSED, Good Friday
April 5 – Easter Dinner, Elmira Community Kitchen (160 High St, Elmira), time TBD
April 9 – Pasta Night Fundraiser, Glenora Wine Cellars (5435 NY-14, Dundee, NY), 5:00pm – 7:00pm
April 14 – Tabling at the Horseheads Library, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
April 20-24 – National Volunteer Week
April 22 – Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, TBD, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Bags of HOPE: Consider organizing a Bags of HOPE drive for much-needed items (men’s hygiene, diapers, ready-to-eat foods, and non-perishable items). You can view our wishlist and purchase online as well. These items will assist those at our Homeless Shelter and those visiting the Samaritan Center.