Caption: A few months ago, our parish committee to helping underwrite food expenses for this extraordinary outreach to the homeless in NYC, coordinated by ministry leaders at Holy Trinity in New Rochelle. Over the years, some of our own groups have participated hands-on (e.g., GOYA), as well as some members who regularly still join in serving the poor. Despina spoke at our church before the pandemic to share not only the riches of what has developed over many years now (final Thursday evening of each month) but also the wonderful book she wrote and the foundation she established to sustain this longer term. – Fr. Harry
Chapter #65
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, New Rochelle, NY
https://www.facebook.com/PhiloNewRo (photos)
By Maria Scaros
What a busy night! We served 150 hot meals and 250 sandwiches to our guests and those asylum seekers living temporarily in the hotel near-by on 31st Street. We also supplied coats, scarves, hats, socks, toiletries, and blankets.
We were blessed with volunteers from churches on Long Island, in Queens and New Jersey as well as volunteers from our Holy Trinity family joined the New York City Outreach services under the watchful eye of New Yok’s finest. Two police officers were sure to save parking spaces for all our vehicles. It is truly amazing to see how much loving kindness there is in our world. The outreach services convinced only one person to go into a shelter as opposed to sleeping on the street. Another guest, sleeping in a makeshift shelter of cardboard boxes said, “The weather isn’t bad. I feel safe here.” Under the watchful eye of St. Francis, most prefer to stay on the street and with their comrades.
We saw many new faces who heard about us “on the street.” Others were brought by old friends.
All are appreciative of what we provide including non-judgmental conversation, friendship, and support. The asylum seekers were elated to receive warm coats and clothing from our sisters and brothers from churches east and west. These people have little clothing and what they do have is not conducive to our harsh weather. Parents were thankful for coats for their children and children were thankful for a stuffed animal to hug and a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy.
The Soup Run is a labor of love all month long as we plan, gather 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, Connecticut, and New Jersey, those of various faiths and friends of friends, who make this important outreach a reality. This month we are grateful for the following supporters:
- Coverage – NYPD
- Financial Support
o January Soup Run Sponsor: Carol Lambos & Peter Junge
o Alexandra & Richard Baudouin
o Emanuel Monogenis
o Irene Drivas
o Church of the Archangels (Stamford, CT)
o Philoptochos of Holy Trinity New Rochelle, NY
- Meals/Sandwiches/Treats
o Manny Louros – Meals
o St. Nicholas (Wyckoff, NJ) – Sandwiches
o St. George (Clifton, NJ) – Sandwiches
o Kalliope Primis- Blondies
- Clothing/Shoes/Backpacks/Blankets/Stuffed Animals
o Mr. & Mrs. Club (Holy Trinity, New Rochelle) – Children’s Pajamas
o Georgia Kampitsis – New Shoes
o Angie Lambros – Blankets
o Luann Bianconi – Blankets
o Melina Morris – Coats, Blankets
o Melina Morris and Bombas (bombas.com) – Socks and Underwear
o Holy Resurrection (Brookville) – Coats and Blankets
o Holy Cross (Whitestone)- Coats and Blankets
o Loredona Curtis – Scarves and Socks
o Carolyn & Stefano Sandano – Coats
- Toiletry Kits/Personal Care Items
o Georgeann Mavrovitis, Loredona Curtis, Alexandra Speres, Maryann Koutsis, Kathy Papataros
- Homeless Resource Handout – May Vlachos McGuinness
- Spanish Language Handout – Maria Scaros
- Bags – FreshDirect (freshdirect.com)
With much appreciation, we thank you for your continuing support and participation. If you would like to donate items, we are accepting only the following: new or gently worn women’s, men’s and children’s sneakers/shoes/boots, coats, and blankets (CVS and Walmart have rolled fleece blankets). The next Soup Run is scheduled for February 23, 2023. Please join us.
Despina
Despina Kartson
