ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - The Treasures of the Isle recently made a donation to Mary's Shelter with funds raised from their Chili Cook-Off!

Mary's Shelter Gulf Coast was incorporated to address the needs of women experiencing an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. Mary’s Shelter has a core group of like-minded parishioners from St. Thomas-by-the-Sea Catholic Church in Orange Beach. Thanks to the support of area churches, businesses and individuals who believed in their mission of providing a home to women who were homeless, pregnant and in danger of aborting their baby.

The main area they serve covers the counties of Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia in Alabama, and Santa Rosa and Escambia counties in the state of Florida. Mary’s Shelter is the only charitable organization in this five-county area able to offer shelter and support to homeless, pregnant adult women, before and after the birth of their child.

Mary's Shelter Gulf Coast is overseen by a 20-member volunteer Board of Directors, staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and helps residents set goals for their future, and meets with each resident on a regular basis to review their progress.

A housemother is always on the premises. Many volunteers help with all aspects of the program, from rocking babies, to preparing mailings and performing upkeep on the facility.

For more information on Mary’s Shelter call Glenda Messina, administrator at 251-986-6200 or 866-823-4674.

The Treasures of the Isle krewe continues to work for our community with fundraisers throughout the year. The krewe is made up of both women and men, married and singles. For more information contact TOI at www.treasuresoftheisle.com or on Facebook.