Last Night’s Soup Run was a celebration of old friends. We gave out 99 hot meals, snacks, fruit and water, along with toiletries, underwear, socks and T-shirts. Each month we see more people who have found us at our new location, some of whom are new to us, and others we haven’t seen since before the pandemic. The word is out. “The church folks from the Garden are now at St. Francis.” I like the sound of that.
Yesterday Abdullah and Nate were there and were thrilled we remembered them by name. We all spent time talking. Another old friend was Keith, who now goes by “K”, who looked healthy and happy. All three wanted us to know they were well and thanked us for our hospitality in the past and in the present. Abdullah told us he will be moving to Belgium. His brother, an army veteran who died during the pandemic, left him his home. Abdullah has friends there and a job waiting for him. Though Nate has not been able to find steady work, he is clean and has a room in a friend’s home. “K” is going to meetings and “staying away from bad influences.” So far, so good.
We were ready to leave to go to our next stop, but others kept coming and so we stayed. It appeared that everyone was engaged in friendly conversations, pats on the back, well -wishing and loving kindness for one another. Truly a blessing on a hot summer night.
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
- July Soup Run Sponsor: Ariadne Rokkas
- Philoptochos of Holy Trinity New Rochelle, NY
- Meals/Utensils/Snacks
- Manny Louros & Basil Apostle
- Clothing
- Kathy Haverlack – T-shirts
- Anastasia Herzegovitch – Shoes and sneakers
- Melina Morris and Bombas (https://bombas.com ) – Socks
- Toiletry Kits/Personal Care Items
- Georgeann Mavrovitis, Loredona Curtis, Alexandra Speres and Maryann Koutsis
- Direct Archdiocesan Philoptochos Blessing Bags
- 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 August 25, 2022. Please join us. Follow us on Facebook.
