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SECOND SOUP SUNDAY: Giving From Our Blessings to Help Those in Need
A central tenet of being a Christian is to help those in need, whether a stranger or a friend. One way we can do that as Immaculate Conception parishioners is by donating non-perishables that are given to area shelters and food shelves as part of the Second Soup Sunday collection.
After each second Sunday Mass of the month, volunteers bring collected items to area shelters and food shelves. Each location receives two donations per year.
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“There is so much need throughout North Little Rock and Little Rock,” says Pam Alterio, who recently took over this ministry and is grateful for the recent donations from parishioners.
The ministry was on hiatus during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — when Pam took over, she got it started again. As she looked for members to deliver the donated items to locations, Pam was excited that parishioners were willing to step up to help.
Pam checks to see what items the shelter or food shelf needs most and lists these items in the bulletin the first Sunday of each month. For instance, the women’s shelter needs snacks for children and baby food, while the men’s shelter needs items to put in lunches for men out looking for employment.
“I am really excited about this ministry,” Pam says. “When I delivered in September, I was just so thrilled to see how much we had to bring to the shelter. I had at least a grocery cart full of items”
At her previous parish in Ohio, Pam was actively involved in a group making free funeral meals for bereaved families. Having worked in nursing for 38 years, Pam always knew she wanted to get more involved in parish life after she retired, having witnessed the efforts of those who had time to get involved in volunteering.
In a world where there is not always good news, this ministry gives Pam and the other volunteers a good feeling. Pam encourages parishioners to donate because when we give, we receive even more. Of course, we must help our neighbors in need, even if they are not members of our parish.
“Many of these people are in a crisis,” Pam says. “We all have different crises during our lives and we make it through with the support of family and friends. The people who receive these donations are God’s children, just like we are.”
Members of the Second Soup Sunday Ministry collecting items donated by parishioners
