Valley Stream church distributes 30,000 pounds of supplies for virus relief

As the coronavirus outbreak has strained the ability for many to purchase everyday items for themselves ‑ either because of financial hardship or health difficulties ‑ on Thursday, April 16 volunteers at Valley Stream’s Bethlehem Assembly of God teamed up with Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages to gather 30,000 pounds of food and toiletries for those in need.

Organized through the Hope Network, the church’s food pantry ministry, the supplies were then delivered on April 18 to 36 church sites throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties to be distributed to their respective communities.

“I’m selfish about helping others and I wish everyone could have this feeling that I get from helping others,” said the Rev. Steven Milazzo, pastor of the Bethlehem Assembly of God. “Volunteering is an opportunity and responsibility to do what I think Christ would do, by being compassionate and loving to others.”    

That Thursday, more than a dozen Hope Network volunteers gathered, unloaded, sorted and packaged non-perishable food, baby supplies and hygiene products at the church. Many said they found that helping was soothing, both physically and spiritually, during a time when so many are suffering.

“I felt called into this ministry to show the love of God in tangible ways and to better people’s situations and lives,” said Norma Pascualini, director of the Hope Network. “It feels fulfilling to do something good to help many who can’t get food or supplies or are sick. I hope to continue doing his work for as long as God will have me.” 

“Volunteering means giving back and helping those in need, which is something God tells us to do and it gives a sense of fulfillment,” volunteer Brenda Perez, said. “Helping others brings me joy and happiness because I’m doing what God calls us to do.”

When the most prominent effects of the virus first started to appear in early March, volunteer Alexandra Guerin said she saw that there was a need for helpers at the church, and wanted to be a part it.

“Helping takes my mind off of anxiety and worry,” she said. “For me, volunteering means being the hands and feet of Jesus, which means I’m doing the tasks that are necessary to serve others and feed others and therefore mirroring the life Jesus lived.” 

Also among volunteers present was State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, who donated 200 KN95 masks to help with the volunteering mission. 

“This crisis is bringing out the best in people because this church is reaching out to help those in need,” he said. “This is meaningful and I want to continue to help the church with this mission.”

Solages said the magnitude of the disruptions caused by the pandemic warranted such relief efforts, and that she was happy to be a part of them.

“I want to bring people happiness during this time of despair because we are in an economic and public crisis. Many are struggling and unemployed and we need to help our fellow New Yorkers,” she said. “No matter who you are, this virus affects you in some way, and the only way we can combat that is helping each other.”