Serving New Jersey & Southeast USA
Helping Hands Ministry
Immaculate Conception Church - Bronx, NY
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"In all our apostolates, let us always make sure that our life and work are in harmony as we practice love for God and for people, for love is the soul of every apostolate”
- The Constitutions of the Capuchin Friars Minor
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About Helping Hands
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“Hungry not only for bread – but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing – but naked of human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a home of bricks – but homeless because of rejection.”
- St. Teresa of Calcutta
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Every weekday for the past 26 years, the parish church and friary of Immaculate Conception in Bronx, NY has opened its doors to those in need of food. Through the generous support of the community, the parish ministry created an outreach organization called Helping Hands. This soup kitchen serves food to more than 200 people per day, increasing to almost 400 people during the summer.
The history of Helping Hands began on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1994. The idea was the outcome of prayer and reflection of Rev.Fr. John Salvas, OFM Cap. who wanted to follow the Franciscan value of aiding the poor and those in need. Through deep prayer and reflection, he gathered a few parishioners and the group discerned how best to serve the poor in their local community. They came to the decision that the poor who came seeking food should be served with love, dignity, and respect. After creating a program with this in mind, they visited many storefronts in the Bronx, pleading with local store owners to donate whatever they could for the community. They were able to gather enough food to start the program and served thirty-seven sandwiches on their first day. Soon afterwards, leaflets were distributed announcing that lunches would be served on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Since then, Helping Hands has grown to now serve 450-480 people during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Helping Hands has certainly lived up to its name by providing nutritious meals to the hungry. Those who visit the kitchen come from various backgrounds (African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and some from Middle Eastern Countries). Many elderly people come for their meals, as well as children when the schools are closed for vacation. A significant number of unemployed and homeless people come regularly for food as well.
A hot meal is served five days a week. Tables and chairs are set up in the lower level of the church to provide our brothers and sisters in Christ a warm and inviting place to eat. We also provide second servings for those who wish to take food with them. For those who are homebound, our volunteers generously donate their time and efforts to travel directly to them and deliver food staples in person. On the third Saturday of every month, food items in bags are provided for 300-350 households in need of assistance. During special holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, Helping Hands works to provide special dinners and Christmas gifts to the poor, so that they can also receive a bit more during these seasons. Through this ministry, the poor can come to eat, use the restrooms, and enjoy a meal in a safe environment.
The ministry works out of the parish basement and relies largely on food donations from various organizations. It is staffed by volunteers who help to cook, serve, and clean. Due to the growth of Helping Hands, many more generous people have come forward to assist in this ministry. Presently, 48,000-50,000 lunches are served annually. This amazing impact is only possible through the generosity of the parishes, parish organizations and various food agencies. These organizations help to serve the hungry as Jesus as would have us do.
The Holy Spirit has inspired many to serve as Directors of Helping Hands through the years including Fr. John Salvas OFM Cap., Magdalena Garcia, Fr. Robert Williams OFM Cap., Sr. Shyne Mathai OBT, Fr. Basant, OFM Cap., Paula L. Gillisslee and Fr. Udayameena (Meena), OFM Cap., the present Director.
If you feel inspired to take part in this outreach to the poor, please contact [email protected]. On behalf of the parish and our local Capuchin Franciscan community, we humbly thank you for your support and generosity in making this ministry possible.
