Feeding someone in need, providing clothing, a few essentials and a listening ear began before we left our starting point during last night’s soup run when we met a man who has been homeless for the past year. We then packed our cars with 100 meals, clothing and toiletries, headed to our first stop – the women’s shelter in Mt. Vernon – and then our second stop in New York City.
The women shelter residents accepted one of everything we offered – socks, toiletries, T-shirts and underwear. Fr. Augustine spoke Spanish to a blind woman and put together a bag of items for her as she was unable to walk to our table.
In the City, we set up in front of the Olivieri Drop-In Center on 30th Street and fed our guests. We spent a couple of hours walking around the neighborhood, finding a nearly block-long encampment of individuals sheltering in boxes and tents. Some only reached out their hands through an opening in a box to accept food and water. Others were either too tired, ill or strung out to sit up but accepted what we left next to them on the ground.
Walking several blocks around the Madison Square Garden, we fed individuals on the sidewalk, those huddled in a bus shelter, others aimlessly shuffling along. We talked with Anne, one of our regular guests for many years whom we haven’t seen in some time. She remembered us and was happy we remembered her. We met a woman who identified herself as a nomad who had been watching us walk up and down the steps of the Old Post Office (now the new Penn Station) giving food and clothing to so many. She approached us to learn more about what we were doing and said she will send us a donation because she was so touched by what she witnessed.
The monthly Soup Run is an act of love and compassion, supported by consistent 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 Westchester County, Queens, New York City, Stamford and 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: Eugenia Valliades
- Philoptochos of Holy Trinity New Rochelle, NY
- Meals/Cookies
- Steward of Holy Trinity
- Kathryn Papataros
- Clothing
- Dr. Lisa Coplit and Neighbors – Men’s and women’s T-Shirts
- Melina Morris and Bombas (https://bombas.com/pages/giving-back ) – Socks
- Toiletry Kits
- Georgeann Mavrovitis, Laurie Curtis, Alexandra Speres and Maryann Koutsis
- Philoptochos members and GOYA – Personal Care Items Drive
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 July 29, 2021. Please join us.