TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Santa Cruz Catholic Church has been a landmark in Tucson for more than a century.
But the church, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is much more than a landmark. In many ways, it is the heart and soul of the southside and the city of South Tucson, with the parish and its members doing some much-needed work in the community.
This month, we've been showing you all of the repairs and upgrades needed at the 105-year-old Santa Cruz Catholic Church:
A fixture on the Southside, the church sits on the edge of the city of South Tucson—making it a vital resource for the community.
Bob Valencia has been a member of Santa Cruz Catholic Church all of his life. He's now the treasurer for the Knights of Columbus, a group that raises money for Santa Cruz Catholic Church as well as provides outreach programs for the greater community.
"There's something about Santa Cruz that draws you, you know, it draws you," Valencia tells me. "We give back to the church, our school, our community for people that are less fortunate."
Among the programs the Knights of Columbus provides is a Thanksgiving food drive to feed dozens of Southside families in need.
Bob Valencia: "We get everything together, box it up, and take it out to the families."
Pat Parris: "It must be a special feeling?"
Bob Valencia: "Oh yeah, to see their smiles, you know, they're not expecting something."
You can help Santa Cruz Catholic Church with the ongoing restoration and upkeep of this historic structure by donating directly to their website here, at santacruzchurchtucson.com. Just look for the green 'Donate Now' button on their page.
Staff will be tracking donations to ensure that 100% of Giving Project proceeds go into repairs and upkeep.
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Pat Parris is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. He is a graduate of Sabino High School where he was the 1982 high school state track champion in the 800 meters. While in high school and college, he worked part-time in the KGUN 9 newsroom. Share your story ideas and important issues with Pat by emailing pat.parris@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
