Health & Fitness
Pat-Med Teachers, Staff Work Patchogue Neighbors INN Soup Kitchens
Every week a team of Patchogue-Medford teachers and staff will be helping us with the preparation and cleaning of the dining room, the serving of the meal and any other job they are asked to do.
When I first began this blog about the Patchogue Neighbors INN, my hope was that a few people would come forward to volunteer their time for an important cause. The future of Saturday breakfasts at St. Francis de Sales RC Church was uncertain. Many volunteers had resigned and the facility was in disrepair. Through hard work by The INN and Father Tom Pers, the soup kitchen was transformed into something we are now all proud of.
Our guests on Saturday mornings have also noticed the transformation. They have also noticed that we now have a dedicated “core” of volunteers. Ann, Chrissy, Erin, Laura, Louise, Phyllis, and Sharon have developed a close relationship with each other and with the guests. Their cohesiveness produces a calming energy that permeates the kitchen and dining room each Saturday morning. Guests pick up on this energy and know that the hot, tasty meal will be enjoyed in a positive atmosphere of dignity and respect.
Several weeks ago Patchogue-Medford Teacher’s Association member Fran Kosiczky answered our appeal for volunteers by organizing a rotating team from each of the schools in her district. Every week for 52 weeks a team of Patchogue-Medford teachers and staff will be helping us with the preparation and cleaning of the dining room, the serving of the meal and any other job they are asked to do. The enthusiasm and positivity that each team brings to the soup kitchen reinforces the message, “we are here for you.”
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The response from the community to our cries for help has made it possible for us to keep feeding the community. Although we know that there are no guarantees, most likely the weekly breakfast will continue for a long time to come.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Apparently in Patchogue there are many who have asked themselves this question.
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Louise and I thank each of you who has stepped forward with your time or money. You have certainly made a difference in the lives of others.
