ST. BARBARA LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY
HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCHBy Marilyn Martin, Past-President
DALLAS, TEXASSt. Barbara Ladies Philoptochos Society
Chapter #8022
FEEDING THE HUNGRY:
Nationwide, the Philoptochos Society is visible in our parishes by virtue of successful fundraisers which provide direct and indirect assistance to those in need. Yet, behind the scenes, Philoptochos women everywhere, translate the‘Friend’ in ‘Friend of the Poor’ literally. These women are the heart of every Orthodox parish and an example of true Orthodox Christian philanthropy to the people they encounter in their cities and towns.
This is especially true in Dallas where the ladies of the St. Barbara Ladies Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church have dedicated themselves to not only helping people in need, but also embracing them as good friends.
In 1994, under the leadership of then Philoptochos President, Venus Diamond, St Barbara Ladies Philoptochos Society proudly joined the North Dallas Shared Ministries (NDSM). Knowing that Holy Trinity and the Philoptochos Society often lacked the resources to helpsome families with significant needs, NDSM was an attractive community outreach because it pooled the resources of many Churches & religious organizations in the Dallas area.
Created by five local Dallas ministers, andinitially operating out of a back room of a Baptist Church, today NDSM hasgrown to 51 partner Churches/Organizations and currently resides in a 20,322 square foot building serving over 33,000 people. However, this is not an impersonal big-box religious ministry. There is only one paid employee and volunteers are long-term and committed faithful from all walks of life.
For fifteen years, St. Barbara Philoptochos most noticeable presence is on Fridays. The ‘Friday Food Basket’was created by a volunteer and friend of Philoptochos member, Joanne Canellos. They have since organized a system to provide one bag of groceries, canned goods, milk and eggs to registered and vetted seniors. Like all programs at NDSM, it started small and has since grown to over 400 people who begin to line up outside before 8:00 am., regardless of the weather.
It is hectic place, with only 5-6 volunteers managing not only the Friday Food Basket, but also filling general grocery orders for client families and individuals, re-stocking shelves, wrapping donated bread, fresh produce, sweeping, cleaning and on occasion, tightly packing a ‘Philoptochos SUV’ with 35 grocery bags, eggs, milk and desserts for delivery to a subsidized senior apartment building.
Over the years, the entire Holy Trinity parish has embraced North Dallas Shared Ministries and for many consecutive years, Holy Trinity has hosted the NDSM annual city-wide banquet fundraiser, which always includes Church tours and a Greek cuisine menu. It is a greatly anticipated event and has included NDSM clients as guests. Many members of the Holy Trinity family and Philoptochos also work in the food pantry, teach ESL, offer their skills as dental or medical assistants and manage the yearly food collection. In 2012, The bi-annual St. Barbara Philoptochos spiritual retreat was called ‘The Philoptochos PhamilyPhield Trip’. Held in partnership with GOYA. Philoptochos, GOYANS and their families traveled by bus to NDSM. The cost was one bag of groceries from each family. The teens worked in the food pantry while the adults toured and learned more about the amazing outreach and help offered to those in need.
For Philoptochos, the Friday Food Basket seniors have become friends, and the Philoptochos volunteers know and care about their families, happy events, disappointments, and like all good friends are missed when health or other problems keep them from picking up their groceries. Everyone on Friday, both volunteers and clients knowthe Philoptochos and it’s true meaning. North Dallas Shared Ministries is a remarkable place serving remarkable people, and the Philoptochos Society and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church are honored to be a part of its success.
(Two Pictures)
Philoptochos member, Joanne Canellos, registers a client for the Friday Food Basket. Over 400 senior clients receive a free bag of groceries along with milk, bread and eggs every Friday.
Philoptochos Friday Food Basket volunteers: Marilyn Martin, Joanne Canellos and Suzan Kontoulis