As the winds whipped up and the temperature dipped down, we were fortunate to spend most of our time indoors distributing hot meals and warm clothing during last night’s Soup Run. At the New Rochelle Community Action Program, clients stopped in for support services and picked up a few essentials and chicken souvlaki meals that we provided. Later in the evening, we moved our operation to Oasis Shelter where we were greeted by an enthusiastic group of men who immediately rushed to help us carry items from our cars. By the time we made the second trip to our cars, all meals, socks, gloves, hats, sweatshirts and jeans that we brought in the first time had been claimed. The men were incredibly appreciative. The staff also saved some items for the women from the Mount Vernon shelter who eat their meals at Oasis.
During our time at the Shelter, we talked with a few of the residents. One man was so excited to tell us that he just secured an apartment yesterday and pointed to the keys in his pocket. He told us that the items we gave him would save him money so that he could afford to buy a few things for his new apartment.
Another man told us he has lived at Oasis for nearly two years. He is a plumber on disability following a car accident. He continues to receive physical therapy, suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, and had COVID several months ago. His fiancé, who will soon be on disability due to an aneurysm she suffered, lives at the Mt. Vernon women’s shelter. They hope to pull together their resources and move into an apartment soon.
This is just a glimpse into the stories of those we serve in our nearby community. The need for assistance is pervasive.
We work steadily from one month to the next to organize the monthly Soup Run. It comes together through the generosity and sharing of time and talent by so many in the Holy Trinity community and beyond – including supporters and volunteers from Queens, Connecticut, those of various faiths and friends of friends of friends. This month we are grateful to the following supporters:
- Financial Support
- Minos Samoladas
- John & Erini Metaxas – Sponsor
- Philoptochos
- Meals/Snacks
- Manny Louros
- Carol Schiro Greenwald- Snack Bars, Cookies, Candy
- Alexandra King – Candy
- Clothing
- Ron Nicholas and Gleason Paints (https://paintplaceny.com/location/gleason-paint-place/) – Gloves
- Cathy, Stephen, Dean and Nicholas Liakas (https://www.liakaslaw.com) – Sweatshirts
- Katina Papademetriou – Fleece-lined jeans
- Lisa Coplit and Neighbors – Hats and Gloves
- Suzanne Negrin – Crocheted Hats and Gloves
- Philoptochos Knitting for Charity (Holy Trinity), Alexandra King – Handknit/Crocheted Hats and Scarves (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HandknitMercantile?ref=search_shop_redirect )
- Melina Morris and Bombas (https://bombas.com/pages/giving-back ) – Socks
- Toiletry Kits
- Georgeann Mavrovitis, Laurie Curtis, Alexandra Speres and Maryann Koutsis
Thank you to all for your continuing support and participation in this important outreach. Donations of new men’s and women’s underwear, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and gloves are the only items we are currently accepting. The next Soup Run is scheduled for February 25, 2021.