Members of Holy Trinity served 78 meals today, December 2nd, at Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic, CT.  A veteran team of seven - Jason and Denise Geeza, Jon and Merci Matcheson, Reader Tikhon (Erik) Wallace, Leo Lavigne and Tim Fetzko - planned, prepared, cooked and served a delicious meal of roast pork tenderloin, glazed carrots, rice; several side salads including beet, tossed and fruit as well as festive cupcakes for dessert.  "I love it when you guys are here" said Covenant Kitchen Manager Jan C, "I don't even have to be in the kitchen!"

This is the third visit and concludes Holy Trinity's 2017 volunteer commitments.  Holy Trinity first began its relationship with Covenant in December 2013.  Today's visit marked the fourth full year in support of the soup kitchen's charitable outreach.  "It's a tremendous privilege to serve those less fortunate" said Tim Fetzko, Holy Trinity Council President.  "In our four years of volunteering, this is the first time I recall seeing an infant and its mother,,,I have three young children at home.  I can't imagine what they have to endure."  "It's difficult to see such young children in need,,,you can hear their tiny voices in the dining room" said Denise Geeza. An inspiration to all, Denise's young nephew, Leo, served this Saturday for the second time in 2017.  It’s truly remarkable that a young man with undoubtedly many opportunities for leisure or festive activities instead chooses to volunteer at the soup kitchen.  Thank you, Leo.

Our relationship with Covenant Soup Kitchen continues to evolve.  Over the Thanksgiving break, Denise followed up with soup kitchen administration to do a needs assessment, and how Holy Trinity can assist during the cold, winter months. Their list is lengthy, but it was decided to collect the following items from December-February: Coffee, Sugar, Brown Lunch Bags and Sandwich Size Ziploc Bags will be collected weekly at Holy Trinity and delivered monthly for use by the soup kitchen.

Prior to serving today's meal, the Holy Trinity volunteers spent some time singing Christmas carols to the waiting clients.  The impromptu performance included holiday favorites such as:  Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells and Frosty the Snowman.  The group concluded with a heartfelt rendition of Silent Night.  The clients expressed their joy and appreciation with sincere words of thanks and round of applause.

Holy Trinity deeply values its relationship with Covenant Soup Kitchen.  In fact, we've already booked our 2018 commitments.  We are on the schedule to be primary meal service four times next year - March 31, June 9, September 22 and December 8.  Mark your calendar!  Anyone interested in volunteering for any of these dates please see Tim Fetzko or contact him at:  htoc.webmaster@cox.net.