Approximately six years ago the St. Mark’s Guild began the ministry of providing
nutritious finger food for the homeless population in our area. Members of the
Guild shop for food items every 3 months or so and then proceed to stuff
approximately 120-180 plastic bags for distribution. These food bags usually
contain peanut butter, crackers, apple sauce, protein bars, Slim Jims, granola bars,
a drink, various sucking candies, and as of late a disposable face mask.
The bags are placed at the rear entrance of the church in 2 bins. Each bin contains
a donation jar as well. We ask for a $2.00 donation per bag. This money is turned
in to the St. Mark’s office. The office then reimburses the buyer of the food bag
items.
I personally find it to be very rewarding to share the spirit of St. Mark’s with our
less fortunate neighbors. It has been my experience that panhandlers at red
traffic lights are very thankful for the food and most look pleasantly surprised a
receiving them.
Please consider sharing a few nutrition bags with our neighbors.
-Ed Abdale
I love giving out the snack bags to those asking for help at red lights. Sometimes I add a little something for further help, like a flyer from the group in Miami who offers free help & housing to overcome drug addiction, or a pamphlet from the back of the church about additional help for the homeless available in our community. The little notes already included by the Guild inspire me. My favorite is the reminder “You are God’s Masterpiece.”