Volunteers serve soup and needy

St. Mary's Church in Troy -- with its white stone walls and massive wooden doors -- can look like an impregnable castle. But people easily pass through those doors to get to the soup kitchen and its hospitality.

"People from around the neighborhood come here for a nutritional meal," said Rose Cioffi, administrative assistant. "Some of them would not have a meal if they didn't come."

Volunteers from the parish and nearby LaSalle Institute pitch in to set up for the meals in the church's basement.

Filling a need

"We began our food pantry many years ago when we saw the need to help our less fortunate neighbors," Ms. Cioffi explained.

What began as a simple "soup-and-sandwich" supper once a week, funded solely by volunteers, has expanded to a community effort, with food provided by the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Parish donations also add a significant amount of money towards the effort.

The list of volunteers has expanded from parishioners to include LaSalle students, thanks to Sam Marro, pastoral associate for administration and faith formation. He used to teach at the school. Ms. Cioffi said that he inspired students to participate in the volunteer effort.

Students pitch in

"Members from our Service Club staff the soup kitchen every week," said senior Andrew Bigness, 18, the club's president. "We sign up to volunteer when we are freshman and usually stay for the full four years of high school."

Volunteering "helps students develop leadership skills," added Frank Landau, 17, the club's vice president.

St. Mary's own volunteer team includes Nancy Russomanno, who has been preparing meals for 13 years, and Chris Cusack, a junior at Siena College in Loudonville who began at the soup kitchen when he was a LaSalle student. Mr. Cusack said he remains because he loves the work.

Dedication

"There are a number of dedicated people at St. Mary's who work hard to keep this program running," Ms. Cioffi said. "What is important to us all is that no one 'slips through the cracks.' When I see hungry children come in here, it bothers me. There is no excuse for a child to be hungry. I do this because I feel like we are helping people, that I can make someone's situation a little better."

The recipients of the meals told The Evangelist that she is fulfilling her goal:

* Earl Pysher III said, "I've been coming here for about ten years. I come to enjoy the food and the atmosphere. We converse, we eat, and we enjoy ourselves. It's a good place."

* John Smith noted, "I enjoy the atmosphere; the food is good. I am not working right now, so it helps to know I can have a nutritional meal at least two times a week. Sometimes, I take the meal home."

* Samantha Grimes noted that "if it wasn't for the soup kitchen, I would have to make do without eating supper. I can count on the food being good."

* Joe Becker said, "I come because I love the people, and the food is very good. I can socialize with neighbors and just enjoy being with some people. We tell stories and laugh a lot. The people are the best!"

* Marie Clark explained that "I am alone now. I come to the soup kitchen because it gives me an opportunity to be with people and talk to my friends."

* Martha Mooney said, "I've been at St. Mary's since I attended grammar school here many years ago. I feel it is important to be with people, especially if you live alone. We laugh here, and we get good food."

(The food pantry at St. Mary's is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and on Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon.)

(5/13/04) [[In-content Ad]]