For more than 12 years, the St. Teresa of Calcutta’s parishioners have been committed to coming together monthly to bring a hot meal to the men staying at ImmaCare’s shelter. I am very excited and privileged to have taken over the coordination of the meal a couple years ago. Members of the parish are simply amazing with their time, effort and food donations for this mission. It very much reminds me of the loaves and fishes story from the bible because the food donations seem to multiply and just keep coming. Each month, I plan on the parishioners bringing a certain amount of food and to my surprise, they bring more than they committed to, often working all day on cooking their home-made food contribution!
The success of this project inspired us to add an item collection to the mission over the last two years; we collect hats, gloves, socks, underwear, and thermal underwear for the men in addition to providing the meals. This year we collected nearly 1000 of these necessary items for those served in the shelter. When we delivered the donations, the men were grateful to pick out a hat or a pair of socks they liked. These men simply amaze me with their gratitude for every meal or item that is shared with them. They often shake our hand and say “thank you” before even eating the meal!
My uncle, who is in his 70’s and had never been to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter before recently drove from New Jersey to volunteer his time and serve with us. He shared with me how humbled he was by the experience, noting how helpful and enthusiastic the men were, as well as their positive attitudes and politeness. He came away from the experience feeling fulfilled and wonderful about how appreciated the volunteers were. He expressed the feeling of appreciation alone made his trip from New Jersey worthwhile, and that he wished he lived closer, so he could do it again.
These sentiments aren’t exclusive to him though, people across the group are grateful and honored to participate in serving the men at ImmaCare’s shelter. I believe that every person should come and experience a connection with these wonderful, gracious, human beings at least once (and hopefully more).
