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Feeding the poor continues to be a parish priority |
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When the doorbell rings at the St. Francis rectory, the face at the door is frequently a hungry face. Part of the parish's mission to the poor is distribution of food to the hungry, a mission that helps "The Little Church with the Big Heart" live up to its motto every day of the year. Shortly before noon each day, the doorbell starts ringing and by the end of the lunch period at least 20-25 lunches have been distributed to the homeless or unemployed. There is always a sandwich, and sometimes a piece of fruit or a sweet roll accompanies the lunch. Generous donations from local merchants provide most of the food for the lunches that are given away. Three teenagers who are outstanding parish volunteers make the sandwiches every Saturday morning. They are Robert & Kevin Gonzalez and Nenad Dukic. The parish also collects and distributes packages of food to needy families throughout the year and especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Those who request food for families are sometimes people who have just lost jobs, who are waiting for the arrival of their food stamps or those referred to St. Francis by one of the homeless shelters in the area or by FAITH Services, the local Franciscan AIDS program. The food packages usually contain items, which would help create a well-rounded meal and supplement other food items. Donations are always welcomed for these food packages. Some parishioners make a habit of buying extra items when they do their weekly food shopping. Donations can be left at the rectory. Good choices for the food pantry include the following: pasta, rice, beans, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti sauce, canned fish, meats, fruits or vegetables, and cake or biscuit mixes. Think about buying food for a hungry family the next time you go food shopping. You'll be glad you did. Donations can be sent to: |
