Last nights Soup run was another example of “Let go. Let God.” We thought we would need more help. There were six volunteers from Holy Trinity, all women, carting tables, boxes of delicious deli sandwiches, water, sneakers, toiletries, and socks. We got to the city and there were four more volunteers! Two new volunteers from Sacred Light Fellowship, along with their minister, were eager to help. A group of volunteers through the mayor’s office was also there, having heard of our Soup Run. The mayor’s group was there to help our guests access housing. The word is out on the street. The Greek church from New Rochelle is ”real good people.” The city volunteers were impressed by the way we related to our guests, spending time talking, laughing, praying and at times, dancing.
We learned that at 7AM every morning, a lengthy line of people come to the “bread line” right where we were standing. The representative from the mayor’s office said this “bread line” has been going on since 1930. Now they offer breakfast sandwiches, coffee, juice, and socks every morning at 7AM. Those who live with hunger and homelessness gravitate to this spot. They have always told us they feel comforted and safe in the shadow of the church. Now we know of the grace it has been offering them for 92 years.
We served 100 sandwiches last night and distributed all our goods within a brief period of time. We gave out the sneakers folks requested from last month and we received more requests for sneakers and boots, in anticipation of winter, for next month’s soup run.
Last night I recalled a quote by a Jesuit priest, theologian, and philosopher. Participating in this ministry confirms what Christ taught us regarding who we are.
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience.“
We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
All month long, we gather items and organize for the last Thursday of the month when we serve our guests. It is through the donations of those in the Holy Trinity community and beyond – including supporters and volunteers from across Westchester County, Queens, Long Island, New York City and Connecticut, those of various faiths and friends of friends, who make this important outreach a reality. This month we are grateful to the following supporters:
- Financial Support
- Minos Samoladas
- Irene Drivas
- August Soup Run Sponsor: Chris and Calliope Demetriades
- Philoptochos of Holy Trinity New Rochelle, NY
- Sandwiches/Snacks/Water
- Claudio Iaccarino, Park Place Bagels (parkplacebagels.com)
- Clothing
- Melina Morris and Bombas (bombas.com) – Socks and Underwear
- Kathy Haverlack – T-shirts
- Toiletry Kits/Personal Care Items
- Georgeann Mavrovitis, Loredona Curtis, Alexandra Speres and Maryann Koutsis
- Bags – FreshDirect (freshdirect.com)
With much appreciation, we thank you for your continuing support and participation. If you would like to donate items, please consider the following: new or gently worn women’s and men’s sneakers and backpacks. The next Soup Run is scheduled for September 29, 2022. Please join us.