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Last Night's Soup Run

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by Despina Kartson

The warm summer night, the compassion expressed by our volunteers and the gratitude from our guests made for a beautiful Soup Run last night. We distributed 116 meals to those waiting for us on 33rd Street and to a very appreciative group at a nearby Drop-In Center.

We served chicken, rice and vegetables along with granola bars, oranges, cold bottles of water and coffee. Our guests thanked us and enjoyed their meals while chatting with our volunteers and others. The street was packed with trucks for a concert at Madison Square Garden but we managed to squeeze cars into spaces that our friends from a church in Harlem saved for us.

Every month during the Soup Run, we meet new and interesting guests, re-connect with those we have come to know well and we are pleasantly surprised by the thoughtfulness of others. Last night, a woman to whom we had given a pair of sneakers during the July Soup run, brought them back to us. The sneakers didn't fit her and she wanted to return them so that we could help someone else. She lives in a small room in a homeless shelter with three other women. We also talked with Joe and gave him a backpack that he requested last month. Sheila Sessoms and the parishioners of New Bethel Way of the Cross Church prepared 27 tote bags packed with men's tee shirts, underwear and hygiene products. They previously prepared similar bags for women, promising to return with bags for men - and they did. Four employees of Bombas Socks distributed 150 pairs of socks in just a few minutes. The night ended with James playing Beatles music and patriotic songs on a melodica!

Thank you to the donors, supporters and volunteers of the monthly Soup Run. This month, we express gratitude to our supporters from Westchester County, NY and New York City:

  • AHEPA Evzone Chapter 405 for their sponsorship

  • Manny Louros and Zachary Karounos for cooking and Basil Apostle for packing the meals

  • Minos Samoladas for his generous donation which enabled us to purchase clothing

  • Melina Morris and Bombas (https://bombas.com/) for socks 

  • Sheila Sessoms and the parishioners from New Bethel Way of the Cross Church (NYC) for 27 tote bags filled with men's underwear and hygiene products 

  • Deb van der Heyden for women's clothing

  • Helen Hiotakis and Sappho Papaioannu for men's tee shirts and tote bags

  • May Vlachos (St. George NYC) for preparing the Mental Health Clinic guide and including the Soup Run dates

  • Constance Mavrovitis and Cynthia Herzegovitch for organizing the clothing

  • Georgeann Mavrovitis and Loredana Soravito Curtis for preparing the toiletry kits

Remember those who are hungry and lack sufficient housing. We look forward to you joining us next month on August 29. It is a joyful experience and all are welcome.

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Last Night's Soup Run

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by Despina Kartson

On a hot, sticky evening in New York City, a large crowd awaited our caravan of cars and more than 25 volunteers as we turned onto 33rd Street to serve 110 meals during Last Night's Soup Run. Anticipating our arrival, some of our guests helped unload bins and set up tables while others patiently stood in line. We served spaghetti with meat sauce, vegetables, oranges, water, juice and coffee.

We met new guests and talked with some of our "regulars" who expressed their gratitude for our food and clothing. One man talked about the beauty of caring for one another no matter the race or ethnicity. He told us how much our monthly outreach is appreciated and that those guests who have come to know us will always look out for our safety on the streets.

Last night, we had an extraordinary outpouring of generosity from our volunteers. Melina Morris of Bombas Socks distributed 250 pairs of socks. Bombas donates a pair of socks for every pair purchased. Zoe MacMahon distributed 54 backpacks and tote bags that she collected from students at her high school.

At the end of the evening when all of our food and clothing had been distributed, we walked to a homeless drop-in center on 31st Street and distributed 75 sandwiches that were made by Kathryn Papataros. The drop-in center opens its doors at 9 p.m. every night for homeless to sleep on folding chairs. It does not provide food. The supervisor of the center announced to those inside that our group was distributing sandwiches. Immediately, we were surrounded by a crowd and we gave out the sandwiches.

Without the support of our generous donors and volunteers, we would never be able to help feed and clothe those whom we do every month. This month, we express gratitude to our supporters from Westchester County, NY; New York City; Queens; Long Island and Connecticut:

  • Diane Louros for her sponsorship and clothing donations

  • Manny Louros and Zachary Karounos for cooking and Basil Apostle for packing the meals

  • Kathryn Papataros for 75 sandwiches

  • Minos Samoladas for his generous donation which enabled us to purchase clothing

  • Bombas (https://bombas.com/) for donating 250 pairs of socks and to Melina Morris for joining the Soup Run

  • Zoe McMahon for 54 backpacks and tote bags

  • The Legal Marketing Association for 35 tote bags

  • Maria Dikeos, Irene Drivas, Tina DiMino, Kevin & Christina White for clothing, toiletries and shoes

  • Koula Paloungos and the Martinez family for 25 pairs sneakers

  • May Vlachos (St. George NYC) for preparing the Mental Health Clinic guide and including the Soup Run dates

  • Constance Mavrovitis and Cynthia Herzegovitch for organizing the clothing

  • Georgeann Mavrovitis and Loredana Soravito Curtis for preparing the toiletry kits

Keep those who are hungry and homeless in your minds, hearts and prayers. Give what you can, when you can, and join us next month on July 25.




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Last Night's Soup Run

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by Despina Kartson

The torrential rain didn't stop us from venturing out to serve our guests during last night's soup run. By the time we arrived at our spot in Manhattan, the skies cleared, the downpour subsided to a drizzle and we served more than 125 meals to the large group who were waiting for us. No matter what the weather, those who are hungry or homeless still need to eat.

Our guests were exceptionally grateful - thanking us for "coming out in this weather", saying "God bless you for what you do", and expressing appreciation for the delicious meal. A couple of our guests helped us set up and serve. One man told us that he remembered we provided food an extra day last month, on Orthodox Good Friday, and remarked about how kind he thought it was that we wouldn't miss one of our regular evenings.

We talked with a homeless Vietnam veteran who stays in various shelters because he cannot afford rent and food - it's one or the other. He showed us the ID card he carries which identifies him as a 9/11 survivor. He was working on the 86th floor in one of the World Trade Center towers when he heard an explosion. The noise reminded him of his time in Vietnam and he knew something was terribly wrong. He said he immediately started making his way down the building, assisting others along the way and noted how "everyone was the same color" when he made it outside to the rubble and ash covered streets. After 9/11, his life turned into a downward spiral as he struggled with addiction and homelessness. Today, he said he is clean, volunteers helping teens with addiction and talking with them about survival - even as he survives every day without a home and wondering about his next meal.

We received an extraordinary financial donation from a close friend of one of our volunteers. The friend owns a restaurant in Florida, knows about our monthly Soup Run and donated money that was inadvertently left by a customer on the counter of the restaurant. When the money was not claimed for quite some time, the restauranteur gave the money to our volunteer so that she could provide clothing for the homeless. The restaurant owner wishes that the customer who left the cash behind knows that the money has been put to very good use. What an amazing gesture!

Every month we are grateful to all who so generously support, through their actions and their offerings, the mission of the Soup Run. This month's outreach was made possible by supporters and volunteers from Westchester County, NY; New York City; Norwalk, CT; New Jersey; Washington, DC; and Clearwater Beach, FL:

  • Kathy Tzortzides for her sponsorship

  • Manny Louros and Zachary Karounos for preparing the meals

  • Minos Samoladas and Paulette Poulos for their generous donations which enabled us to purchase much-needed socks and underwear

  • Maria Altikatis (Clearwater Beach, FL) for her generous donation which provided many new clothing items

  • Emmy Kalmanides for baking koulourakia

  • The New Jersey Philoptochos Metropolis for donating back to our Soup Run money raised from the sale of

  • Last Night's Soup Run

  • Ruth and Kevin Walter from Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese (www.dobbsandbishop.com) for a box of new backpacks

  • Nathan Darling of Beveridge & Diamond PC for a box of hats and hand sanitizer

  • Deborah Farone for toiletries and clothing

  • Irene Drivas for the bags of clothing, shoes and special request items

  • May Vlachos (St. George NYC) for preparing the Mental Health Clinic guide and including the Soup Run dates

  • Constance and Georgeann Mavrovitis and Cynthia Herzegovitch for organizing the clothing and toiletries

Please join us on June 27th.

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Last Night's Soup Run

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by Despina Kartson

During Last Night's Soup Run, when we had a smaller crowd than usual and were concerned about where we would find 125 hungry souls to feed, we had a number of remarkable experiences. Our usual large group was not waiting for us on 33rd Street - likely due to our change in schedule from the last Thursday of the month to this week.

Our amazing volunteers were not deterred by the small group. We set up tables, organized the pasta meals, 15 bins of clothing, shoes and toiletries. We put the word out, walked to a couple of areas where our guests typically congregate and went into Penn Station. Within seconds of entering Penn Station and after giving out the first meal, we were surrounded by people asking for food. They were grateful, thanked us and wished us a happy Easter.

Sitting on the floor, off to the side in a crowded area of the Station and surrounded by bags of empty bottles and cans, we spotted Martin. We approached him and offered a meal and a toiletry kit. Martin was so happy to see us - he stood up, began organizing his few belongings and some of the bottles that had spilled out of his bags. We talked with him for a long time and were touched by his dignity, spirituality and the gentleness of his soul. As we were leaving, he asked us to pray with him, held our hands and led us in a beautiful prayer. Martin's words will ring in our ears for a long time: "I am by myself every day but I am never alone."

Back on 33rd Street, we gathered a few bags of meals, underwear, toiletry kits and cups of hot chocolate and walked to a nearby New York City drop-in center. The center is a room with tables and metal chairs where homeless can sleep, on folding chairs, overnight. Within minutes, we distributed all that we had and many were telling us they were hungry and asked if we had more meals. Some said they hadn't eaten all day, others said they assumed they wouldn't be eating dinner as they were checking into the drop-in center for the night. We promised to return with more food. Adam, who is recently homeless after years of incarceration and a failed personal relationship, walked with us to make sure that he could get a meal. We gave him the remaining 10 meals we had so that he could give them to the others. He expressed his gratitude and said he was a bit overwhelmed by our kindness.

Thank you to the many in our community and beyond who so generously support, through their actions and their offerings, the mission of the Soup Run. This month's outreach was made extra special by:

  • Linda Ficano for her sponsorship

  • Manny Louros and Zachary Karounos for preparing the meals

  • Minos Samoladas for his donation which enables us to purchase much-needed socks and underwear

  • Fr. Harry Pappas and a group from Archangels Greek Orthodox Church (Stamford, CT)

  • May Vlachos (St. George NYC) for preparing the Mental Health Clinic guide and including the Soup Run dates and donating sandwiches from her school in Queens

  • Constance and Georgeann Mavrovitis and Cynthia Herzegovitch for organizing the clothing and toiletries

  • The Philoptochos and the Holy Trinity, New Rochelle, community

One of our guests, Carmello, told us: "People ask what love is. THIS is love." Please join us next month, on May 30th, to spread the love. A blessed Easter to all.

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Last Night's Soup Run

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by Despina Kartson

Hot meals, clothing, shoes and toiletries were distributed in record time to the more than 100 guests we served on 33rd Street in Manhattan during last night's soup run. We arrived at our location to be greeted by a long line of people who had been patiently waiting for us for nearly an hour. Lemon chicken, rice and vegetables along with snacks, fruit, coffee and the ever-popular hot chocolate with whipped cream were on the menu.

Our bins were overflowing with coats and other clothing and it seemed as if it took only 30 minutes to give away all that we had. Volunteers also provided underwear, socks and several bins of men's shoes and sneakers - every single item was accepted with sincere appreciation.

The evening was lively and busy, with many volunteers giving out food, listening to and talking with our guests. We were particularly touched by Collette, an elderly woman from Brooklyn. She was introduced to us by a formerly homeless guest who now serves with us every month. Collette quietly told us that she has an apartment but has no furniture and has been sleeping on the floor for months. She asked if we have any furniture, particularly a bed, that we could give her. We promised to bring her an air mattress, pillow and linens next month. Asking Collette to hang in there and sleep on the floor for another month was a difficult conversation but she is appreciative and happy to know that we will be there for her next month.

As our monthly outreach continues to grow, we were honored to be joined last night by Philoptochos members from The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (NYC), parishioners from St. George Greek Orthodox Church (NYC) and business colleagues of our volunteers. A special group of parishioners and the minister of New Bethel Way of the Cross Church (Harlem) brought numerous purses and backpacks filled with toiletry items earmarked specifically for our women guests. The generously filled bags were assembled during the church's "Purses for a Purpose" drive and they were so very much appreciated by the women.

Thank you to the many in our community and beyond who so generously support, through their actions and their offerings, the mission of the Soup Run. This month's outreach was made possible by:

  • Claud Karram for sponsoring

  • Manny Louros and Zachary Karounos for preparing the meals

  • Minos Samoladas for his donation which enables us to purchase much-needed socks and underwear

  • Denise Bendo for supporting the Blue Door Thrift shop in Mt.Vernon, and purchasing several large bags of clothing

  • Phoebe Malles of Lippe Taylor Integrated Marketing Communications Agency for hundreds of women’s toiletry items

  • The Philoptochos of Annunciation, New York City for their donation of socks and men's underwear 

  • The parishioners from New Bethel Way of the Cross Church in Harlem for purse donations from their "Purses for a Purpose" drive

  • Irene Drivas tote bags and clothing

  • John Dos Santos and Charles Calomiris for bins of men's shoes

  • Constance and Georgeann Mavrovitis and Cynthia Herzegovitch for organizing the clothing and toiletries

  • The Philoptochos and the Holy Trinity, New Rochelle, community

Please join us next month on April 18th (schedule change due to Easter). All are welcome and donations of seasonal clothing, tote bags, socks and underwear are appreciated.

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Last Night's Soup Run

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by Despina Kartson

by Despina Kartson

We served pasta and gave out clothing and toiletries to a large group of cold and hungry souls who had gathered on 33rd Street in New York City during last night's soup run. Our large group of volunteers included teenagers and those who traveled from Westchester, Long Island and Connecticut and others from Manhattan.

When we first set up our tables, food and clothing on the sidewalk, one of New York's finest stopped by to ask what we were doing. He had a nice conversation with Fr. Andrew and asked us to keep a portion of the street clear for the NYPD canine vehicles that were parked outside Madison Square Garden. At the end of the evening, the officer asked, "How’d you do tonight?" We thanked him for allowing us to serve on the sidewalk and double park our cars. He said, "How could we not, you’re taking care of people."

We distributed toiletry kits, nearly 50 backpacks, tote bags, coats, sweaters, hats, underwear and socks. The backpacks and tote bags are among the most needed items and we never seem to have enough. As we were leaving, a man approached and asked us if we had any food. Unfortunately, we had given out all meals but one of our volunteers had a bag of snacks and water in her car that she gave to him. Another volunteer gave a guest his own gloves, saying that he needed them more.

Our monthly Soup Run is a special and much-needed outreach to those who are living on the streets or eking out a marginal existence. We are thankful for the dedicated community of volunteers and supporters who give from their hearts, including: 

  • Ellen Musante for this month's sponsorship in memory of her son Ryan

  • Manny Louros for preparing the meals

  • Minos Samoladas for his donation which enables us to purchase much-needed socks and underwear

  • Emmy Kalmanidis for her monetary donation 

  • An anonymous donation of T-shirts and socks 

  • Irene Drivas for men's shoes and clothing

  • Deb Van Der Heyden for clothing and introducing new volunteers to the Soup Run

  • Athena Gregory and her 8th grade Sunday School class for toiletry kits

  • Constance and Georgeann Mavrovitis and Cynthia Herzegovitch for organizing the clothing and toiletries

All are welcome to join the monthly Soup Run. In-kind donations, including coats, warm clothing, hoodies and backpacks, as well as financial donations, are very much appreciated. Please join us on March 28.

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Last Night's Soup Run

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by Despina Kartson

Our dedicated group of 15 volunteers distributed 120 chicken dinners, coats and blankets to our guests on the street and in Penn Station during Last Night's Soup Run. The 13-degree temperature did not deter our serving because our guests still need to eat. We arrived at our spot on 33rd Street in Manhattan to a group who had assembled and was awaiting our arrival. Given the frigid weather, many of the homeless were not outside so we found them in Penn Station. The minute we began handing out meals, scarves and hats, others approached and we were able to feed a good number of hungry souls.

We talked with Stewart who was once homeless and now lives in Flushing. His rent is subsidized, he plays the harmonica on the subway and occasionally delivers flowers for a florist shop to cover food and other expenses. He likes to talk with our guests to demonstrate to them that they too can get off the streets. We met Steve, a self-described heroin addict, who told us he lives in a wood and cardboard structure he built on a sidewalk under scaffolding. As we were leaving Penn Station, a man approached us hustling for a quarter. When we said we only had food, he did a double take, smiled and said "right, you're the food people" - he had just seen us on the street! Many we served last night were particularly grateful, thanking us, saying God bless you and wishing us a Happy New Year.

At the end of the evening, we had several coats and toiletry kits remaining so we stopped by the Olivieri Drop-In Center, run by the Coalition for the Homeless, and offered the items to them. The Center, a storefront space with metal folding chairs and tables, was over capacity and turned away others who were looking for a place to sleep for the night while we were there. The Center Manager knew we were the group from New Rochelle because he has heard that we serve on Thursdays.

Our monthly Soup Run is a critical and compassionate outreach program that serves those who are less able than we are to provide for themselves some of life's necessities: food and clothing. We are immensely blessed with a community of volunteers and supporters who give generously of their time, treasures and talents. This month, we express thanks and gratitude to everyone involved, including:

  • Evan and Denise Graf for this month's sponsorship

  • Manny Louros for preparing the meals

  • Minos Samoladas for his generous donation which enables us to purchase much-needed socks and underwear

  • Alexandra and Richard Baudouin for new coats 

  • Emmy Kalmanides for new and gently used men’s and women’s clothing and new women’s underwear 

  • Susan Russon for hand warmers and hats

  • Alexandra King for 24 hand knit scarves

  • An anonymous donor who gave fleece blankets from the Proskauer law firm

  • Cathy Florakis for boots and sneakers

  • Constance and Georgeann Mavrovitis and Cynthia Herzegovitch for organizing the clothing and toiletries

All are welcome to join the monthly Soup Run. In-kind donations, including coats, warm clothing, hoodies and backpacks, as well as financial donations, are very much appreciated. Please join us on February 28.

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Visit to Saint Michael's

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Our GOYA and Scout Troop visited with the residents of Saint Michael’s Home in Yonkers on Saturday, December 29th to spread some holiday cheer with our seniors!