Once a month, Oakland Region Member Tim Powers and Tim Powers, Jr drive to the Contra Costa Food Bank in Concord to pick up 800-1,200 pounds of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, frozen meat, eggs, premade meals and an assortment of canned items. While the Order pays for some of the items the rest are provided as part of a regular distribution. Any leftover food is shared with the Missionaries of Charity.
We help our homeless and low income neighbors shop for necessary food items and toiletries to assist them in their time of need. We do this with love and care and all feel we are living the Gospel in our actions. Our goal is to treat every neighbor with dignity because we all are very aware of the Christian motto of humility: there go I but for the grace of God.
We serve around 65 people/families which equates to approximately 220 bags of groceries. The food items are canned, boxed, frozen meats, fresh vegetables and fruits and dry goods like cereal, oatmeal, pasta, breads, cookies and other desserts. Plus sometimes we have refrigerated perishables, like eggs and milk. These families are always so thankful for us being there and thanking us all constantly. Assisting them with other needs when possible and always with support and love.
Ilona, a Ukrainian refugee, young woman who has a job that she rides her bike to and from. She rides her bike right to the pantry after work but always gets there as we are closing up. "Thank you so much for letting me come through when you are closed, I have no money left for food and I am so grateful.”