In the heart of Mount Vernon sits a church whose pews are filled every Friday morning — not with people, but with bags of food, ready to serve the community.
And those packing these bags do so with laughter, big smiles, and joy.
Sts. John Paul and Clement Church in Mount Vernon serves their community each week by distributing food through its pantry.
Before the distribution even begins, volunteers gather and hold hands in prayer — a true testament to the foundation of their service.
Michelle, who is not only a volunteer but also a former beneficiary of the pantry, shared how special the experience is:
“We are treated well here, we get good food here, and we recommend it to others — we appreciate the ones that run it because they treat us with respect. And it motivates us to keep coming and inviting others.”
She continued, reflecting on the relief the pantry brings to so many:
“It really brings a little less stress by having the pantry and as long as we have the pantry to go to, it makes life much easier for us in the community.”
By contributing to a pantry like the one at Sts. John Paul and Clement, Michelle also witnesses the impact it has on her neighbors. She describes this impact as:
“Everyone’s a little joyous because we are sure that food is going to be on the table.”
But for Michelle, what she loves most is the opportunity to give back:
“I’m a person that loves to serve… and when I am given the opportunity it makes me feel helpful, important… and a great asset to the community.”
Michelle is a prime example of what a little extra help can do — empowering someone to, in turn, help others.
Because of this support, neighbors like Dorothy get exactly what they need to live better lives. In Dorothy’s words:
“The pantry is a blessing.”
With cuts to services such as food stamps, pantries like this one make all the difference for neighbors trying to keep food on the table.
One neighbor, Ed, put it plainly:
“It helps me a lot. Food stamps go real fast.”
At this church pantry, community members leave with a little extra security — at a time they need it most.
Thanks to the unwavering and selfless efforts of volunteers, that sense of security is offered every single week.
Feeding Westchester employees had the privilege of speaking with one of these incredible volunteers: Vivette.
Vivette, a mom of two and grandmother of five, comes every single week to distribute donated items such as clothes, diapers, and feminine products.
Her volunteer journey began during a Sunday service:
“One Sunday I came to church and the Father was talking about volunteering.”
Inspired by the Pastor’s words, Vivette felt called to be a source of support for her community.
When she offered to help, she was embraced by a team she would soon grow very close to.
As she put it: “They welcomed me with open arms.”
Speaking with admiration for her fellow volunteers, Vivette shared:
“We are like one family… they look after you.”
What makes these volunteers particularly special is how they make sure to have fun in every aspect of their work.
In doing so, they create a positive and friendly atmosphere — one where neighbors feel loved and valued.
Vivette says it best:
“We just have fun while we’re packing the bags — we are always laughing.”
She’s quick to credit their fearless leader, Louise, for holding it all together:
“Ms. Louise is the best director.”
Louise ensures that everything runs smoothly and that everyone feels supported in their mission to help others.
With a dedicated team behind them, Vivette, Louise, and the rest of the volunteers turn love into action, using their time and hearts to create something special for their neighbors. And they do it from the humble grounds of their church parking lot.
The result? A pantry like no other — a place for friendship, kindness, and renewed hope, every week.
