by Despina Kartson
We learn so much from the guests we serve every month, including during last night's soup run. Serving more than 125 meals of lasagna and 120 sandwiches on a blustery evening in New York City, we spoke with guests who have a gentle and good spirit, who teach us so much about life, living and maintaining a light heart while at the same time, they do not have a permanent place to lay their head. When we asked one guest where she would be sleeping last night, she told us she'd be staying in a place without heat, electricity or water but was thankful to be indoors. We shook hands with some who remarked about how cold our hands were and wanted US to stay warm. We distributed several icon cards and talked with a gentleman who asked us to explain the meaning of the iconography and the Greek letters. Later in the evening, we saw him sharing the card with a woman. Some guests proudly showed us coats and bags they had previously received from us. A man whom we had not seen in a couple of months, explained that he was struggling and "under a storm." Our hearts and prayers are with each and every individual we meet.
Through the generosity of spirit of a growing number of supporters and volunteers, our monthly serving of those in need continues to expand. There are many to thank including:
Manny Louros and Zachary Karounos for preparing the meals
Maria and Claudio Iaccarino (Park Place Bagels, Bronxville, NY) for 120 sandwiches and danish
Homemade chocolate chip cookies made by Lucy Caviris
Minos Samoladas for his generous donation which enables us to purchase socks and underwear
Maria Dikeos for 36 backpacks and messenger bags
Margaret Luberda, Michael and the staff from the law firm Wilson Elser for six large bags of coats
Despina Taiyanides and Emmy Kalmanides from St. George (Norwalk, CT) who donated bags of new fleeces, blankets, homemade koulourakia, chocolates and snacks
All are welcome to join the monthly Soup Run. In-kind donations, including warm clothing, hoodies and backpacks, as well as financial donations, are very much appreciated. Be sure to support the Philoptochos "Hats & Gloves for the Homeless" sale on December 23rd where we hope to sell 100 sets of hand knit scarves, hats and gloves to take on the December 27th Soup Run. A very blessed and Merry Christmas to all. #PhiloStrong #bombas
