 Eighth Graders from Saint Francis Xavier School volunteer at the Food Pantry (Sept. 2024). Interview with Sara Crome, long-time parish liaisonLike many of the people they serve, the soup kitchen and food pantry at St. Thomas of Canterbury depend on the generosity of others to survive. Saints Joseph & Francis Xavier Parish has been a consistent partner for decades, and they continue to support our outreach ministries to this day. Sara Crome has coordinated the partnership for many years and was willing to shares some of her favorite memories with us. How did you first get involved with the outreach ministries? In 1999, I read in the St. Francis Xavier bulletin that they needed volunteers for the food pantry. What started as a one-day-a-week commitment grew into three days a week. And then they needed help in the soup kitchen, so I started going over there after the pantry was closed. It was very communal and a beautiful experience I am so happy to have been a part of.  Our parish's Solidarity Garden Intern Ashley helping with the food pick up at SJFX Parish (July 2024). What was volunteering like? Over the years, I developed a strong friendship with the pantry manager Nancy Martinez. We would prepare the food the night before in paper Jewel bags – there would be an assembly line going. Families would get two bags, and individuals would get one. We also had different bags for clients who were homeless so that all of their food could be enjoyed without access to a kitchen. I remember we used to check everyone in manually using a huge three-ring binder. It was hard work, but we had fun doing it. God’s grace really took care of us. Whenever we were running low on food or supplies, someone would call with a donation. It was amazing. It always seemed to work out that there was enough. It was a wonderful experience and part of my life that really enriched me. What is your favorite memory? St. Francis Xavier would invite senior citizens for a dinner at Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving in the basement social hall at St. Thomas. Parishioners would cook the meal, and we had a connection with a local Swedish Bakery for desserts. I remember I would load up my Jeep with sweets that were leftover at the bakery. I would also thrift stuffed animals to give out as gifts. My mom would launder them and give them a new ribbon. We usually had about 300 people in the hall, and it was just for seniors. How does Saints Joseph & Francis Xavier Parish continue to support the outreach ministries? Our parish is still so deeply involved. We won’t ever give up on St. Thomas. Parishioners have been generous with volunteering and monetary support over the years. One time, a mother needed a double stroller, so I put a call in our bulletin and by the end of the week, Nancy had three to give away. Eighth graders from our parish school also regularly volunteer at the food pantry. The parish continues to collect food for the food pantry. Sometimes we run special drives for things like cooking oil, rice, and soy sauce that are in high demand. Then once a month, Br. Ayub comes with the van, and we fill it up. It works out great and has been a beautiful collaboration!  Food pick up from Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish (May 2024). Comments are closed.
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