If you or others feel inspired to take part in this endeavor for the poor, please contact [email protected] .

On behalf of the parish and our local community, we humbly thank you for your support and generosity for making this organization possible.
 

Every weekday for the past 28 years, the parish church 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.

“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”

- Mother Teresa
 

Helping Hands strives to serve each hungry person who comes seeking food with love, dignity, and respect.

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25: 37, 40

“At the end of life, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done.

We will be judged by ‘I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked, and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.’”
- Mother Teresa

            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 decided to figure out how best to serve the poor in their local community. Together, the group came to the decision that the poor who came seeking food should be served with love, dignity and respect. After creating a program to tackle this, they visited many storefronts in the Bronx, pleading with local store owners to donate whatever they can 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 come to the kitchen hail from various backgrounds (African Americans, Latinos, Asians and some from the Middle Eastern Countries). Many elderly people come for their meals here, 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.

            We serve a hot meal five days a week, and provide tables and chairs in the lower level of the church to give our brothers and sisters in Christ a warm and inviting place to eat. We also provide seconds for those wishing 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, we also provide food items in bags to 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 the season.  Through this organization, the poor can come to eat, use the restrooms, and enjoy
the meal in a safe environment.

            Our operations are based in the parish basement, and largely rely on the food donations of various organizations. We also receive 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.