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Partly Cloudy Church opens doors to those in need
Volunteers pitch in for monthly food pantry
The Rev. Cristian Preda, senior pastor of Open Hand of God Church in East Meadow, reminds his worshippers not to expect a pat on the back when helping someone. That includes the church’s monthly food pantry program, which held its February outreach event on Saturday.
“We should not congratulate ourselves for doing what we are expected to do,” Preda said. “I challenge them to walk the extra mile and make a difference in the community.”
The food pantry program is made possible by the efforts and generosity of many local businesses and organizations in addition to support from church members. With leadership from Joanne Kassebaum, the pantry gives baskets of food to families in need in the community.
On Feb. 18, the afternoon before the church opened its doors for those families, volunteers were already hard at work. A group from the AHRC Nassau, which included adults from local communities like Oceanside, Valley Stream and Rockville Centre, made its monthly trip Kassebaum and Preda pick up fresh produce from Pat’s Farms and sort it out at the church for distribution to 70 families at the church. AHRC Nassau is an advocate and service provider for children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
The group, directed by AHRC staffer Reggie Dossous, spends most of its days assisting a mix of businesses and non-profit endeavors. One of the regular initiatives is Meals on Wheels, when the group delivers lunch and dinner to elderly in the
“These guys really love it, “ Dossous said.
Island Harvest, Long Island Cares, Panera Bread and Zorn’s are among the businesses that contribute to the pantry on a monthly basis. Pat’s Farms provides produce to the pantry at wholesale prices.
Open Hand of God Church welcomes families in need of food, clothing and other items to visit the food pantry on the third Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 2011 dates for distribution are March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 10.
