ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – Before you know it the new year will be here and then it’s time for Bingo! Once again St. Thomas-by-the-Sea Catholic parish in Orange Beach will host weekly Bingo on Thursdays from Jan. 3 to the end of March.

The games benefit Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast, a home for home pregnant women who choose life for their unborn child. During the years, the parish has contributed more than $100,000 from the Bingo project.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with Early Bird games at 5:30 and regular games at 6:30. Food and beverages are available.

A non-discriminatory facility, Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast accommodates homeless pregnant women of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida as well as Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties in Alabama. It is located in Elberta.

The shelter gives the women much more than a roof over their heads. It provides counseling, job training, GED instruction, parenting classes, money management help and other essential advice to help the mother develop character, maturity and responsibility.

Volunteers take the women to doctor appointments before and after the birth of the baby, they provide cooking and housekeeping instruction, bible classes, babysitting and tutoring for the GED program. 

Computers are available for on-line instruction in a variety of self-help and instructional programs. Adoption counseling is also provided.

Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast is funded by individual donations, fundraising and grants. The Guardian Angel Program asks donors to pledge an amount every month either by sending a check or by automatic deduction from a Master Card, Visa or checking account. This program provides steady funding for the everyday expenses any household has, such as utilities, outside maintenance and cleaning and cooking supplies.

Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible according to IRS guidelines for 501(c)(3) organizations. For information call 251-986-6200.