Church of Our Saviour Adopts Everglades Elementary

Trinity House Meets Multiple Needs

Trinity House food pantry, a ministry of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kissimmee, provides food aid to around 600 families a month, said The Rev. Canon Luis Manuel de la Cruz, its overseer. But Trinity House meets other community needs as well. The Trinity House food pantry started in August 2018 after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, 2017, and led many people from the island to move to Central Florida. During that time, the population in Osceola County increased 12.5%. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) donated 50,000 pounds of food, which was delivered to the pantry for the first five months. After that, Trinity House used resources from the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida to continue providing food for hundreds of people in need. Today this ministry also gives away clothing, shoes and furniture as well as offers courses and sports activities for the community. Every first and third Friday of the month, 16 volunteers distribute bags containing canned foods, cereal, dried beans, beef, salad and milk. During the week, Trinity House also assists the homeless and other people seeking food and clothing.

To make a donation to TRINITY HOUSE please contact St. John Episcopal Church-Trinity House, 1709 N. John Young Parkway, Kissimmee 34741, 267-650-0622.

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De la Cruz—who was born in the Dominican Republic and has been an ordained priest for 40 years— María Rodríguez and Mercedes Sandoval make up the coordinating team of this much-needed ministry that serves all nationalities. “I can affirm that there are several families that today participate in our community of faith who have known us through what we do at the Trinity House. We do not proselytize, but we do endeavor to act lovingly and serve those most in need in the name of Christ and the church,” said de la Cruz, who foresees a greater need of resources since the rise in unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He cited the scripture that inspires this ministry as “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (Matt. 25:35-36). Trinity House would like to have the resources to start an English course as well as have an attorney available to assist with immigration matters.

Holy Faith “sews” into its community.

contribution toward a greater goal when it is needed the most. “They are very happy to be doing something that is appreciated and needed and to feel like they are being useful in this dumb time,” she said. “It’s nice to be useful.” At press time, Holy Faith is hosting limited meetings, including chair yoga and Bible study with social distancing measures. Church treasurer Jackie Meehan, one of the sewing volunteers, also recruited her sister, who doesn’t attend the church. Meehan was glad to respond to the call when Campen mentioned the opportunity and shares her satisfaction in serving. “I think it’s a good thing in the craziness that the world is in,” she said. “It’s one way we can help.” Meehan’s husband, Dale, also contributes by cutting the wires to insert into the masks. In addition to Campen and Meehan, the other volunteer seamstresses include Tran Lukas, Cindy Conway and Linda Emslie. Holy Faith’s local paper, Riverland News, recognized the church for its service to the community. “Holy Faith in Dunnellon may be small, but it’s come to the forefront when needed,” the article said.