It rained, it cleared up, it rained again and through it all, we could not have been more energized during last night’s Soup Run when we distributed nearly 100 lemon chicken dinners, clothing and toiletries to our guests in Manhattan. Stationed on the sidewalk outside the Oliveri Drop-In Center, where those who need a place to sleep for the night can spend it on metal folding chairs, we served the men and women who were inside and walked the neighborhood with our meals and other items.
We saw Bruce, the artist with sketchbook in hands, who is still in a wheelchair as he was when we saw him several months ago. He was thrilled to see us, as we were to see him, and explained his harrowing months in and out of the hospital and rehab due to a knee injury and his ongoing homelessness.
We fed guests outside of Penn Station who were so hungry they started eating before we could finish offering them other items. We left food next to individuals laying on the sidewalk, looked back as we walked away and saw that they sat up to eat our meal. We met an elderly man, walking on 7th Avenue, stooped over and pushing a cart of his belongings. He spoke little English but must have said “Thank you” a dozen times as he smiled and accepted our offerings. His gratitude brought tears to our eyes.
One of the highlights of the evening was when we met Prince and Chappo. We had already served Chappo, who was staying at the Drop-In Center, when a couple of hours later, Prince approached us and asked if we had seen a man whose description matched Chappo’s. We asked for Chappo to come out of the Center and he and Prince shook hands and talked. It turns out that Prince, who is without a home, just got a job after spending some of his final unemployment check to buy a suit, tie, shirt and shoes for a job interview. He wanted to look sharp for the interview and said he nailed it. His new job will be managing several apartment buildings and it comes with a rent-free two-bedroom apartment. Prince knew Chappo from the streets and went to the Drop-In Center to offer him to live in the second bedroom of his new apartment when he starts his job next week! It’s beyond heartwarming to witness how those on the streets look out for one another.
The monthly Soup Run is an amazing experience. It is a hands-on demonstration of compassion extended to those who are most in need. We are blessed with support and generosity from so many. Throughout the month and all year long, we plan, gather items and organize for the day we have set aside to 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, New York City, Stamford and Danbury, CT and Fair Lawn, NJ, 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
- This month’s sponsor: Kathy Tzortzidis
- Philoptochos of Holy Trinity New Rochelle, NY
- Meals/Cookies
- Manny Louros
- Kathryn Papataros
- Clothing
- Dr. Lisa Coplit and Neighbors – Men’s and women’s T-Shirts
- Susan Eng – T-Shirts
- Anastasia Raptis – Sneakers, Women’s Clothing
- Melina Morris and Bombas (https://bombas.com/pages/giving-back ) – Socks
- Toiletry Kits
- Georgeann Mavrovitis, Laurie Curtis, Alexandra Speres and Maryann Koutsis
- Bags – FreshDirect (freshdirect.com)
With much appreciation, we thank you for your continuing support and participation. Donations of new men’s and women’s underwear, T-shirts (sizes LG and XL) and baseball caps are the only items we are currently accepting. The next Soup Run is scheduled for August 26, 2021. Please join us.