The Aleman Center is a diocesan program to offer emergency food and clothing for those who need it. It is located by the Immaculate Conception Parish in Hartford. The coordination of the center is through the Diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry and it functions with volunteers from around the Diocese but especially volunteers from St. Thomas More who collect and sort donations and prepare the center for the summer. Last year, 2024, the Aleman Center served 588 families (3,345 individuals, 1,574 children, 1771 adults and of those adults 28 were seniors, 457 families came only once).
The Aleman Center is named in honor of Deacon Eugenio Alemán of Mexican origin. He dedicated his life to helping newly arrived families in the area or that needed some kind of assistance. The Aleman Family continues to support this program.
The clothes and emergency food that is offered at the Aleman Center is at NO cost to low income people especially the migrants. The clothes and food at the Aleman Center is donated from various parishes throughout the Diocese, especially through St. Thomas More Student Parish, who has been with this ministry for many years.
Click here to view a complete list of items needed
Most Needed Donations
Food items: rice, flour, sugar, cooking oil, canned tomatoes, pinto beans (dried not can), canned corn, and packs of water.
Appropriate clothing for field work: pants/jeans, shorts, long- or short-sleeved cotton shirts, work boots, or tennis shoes.
Children's and infant clothing should be washable play clothes (clothes for going out or clothes that need to be dry-cleaned are not appropriate).
Other items: sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, diapers of all sizes and wipes.
Donated items may be brought:
During the month of June thru July 14th to the St. Thomas More parish office Garage at 1333 West Lovell St. (corner of Monroe and Lovell) from 9:00a.m. – 3:00p.m. Monday thru Friday. If you have questions about times, please call the parish office at 269-381-8917.
From August to May to the office of Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, 215 N. Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 from Monday thru Thursday from 9am – 2pm. Call 269-349-8714, Extension 1240 if you have any questions.
Address of the Aleman Center:
63559, 60th Avenue
Hartford, MI
Phone (269) 621-4106
Immaculate Conception Parish in Hartford
SCHEDULE:
June - August:
Sundays from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Mondays from 6:30 p.m.- 8:00p.m.
Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
September:
Sundays from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
October:
Sundays from 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,. . . “ - Matthew 25:35
“Porque tuve hambre y ustedes me dieron de comer; tuve sed y ustedes me dieron de beber. Fui forastero y ustedes me recibieron en su casa. . . “ - Mateo 25:35