Sacred Heart Holiday Feast: Each year, as the holiday season approaches, the lines at Sacred Heart Community Service in San Jose grow long. People, both in cars and on foot, eagerly await their turn to receive nutritious boxed holiday meals.
From Monday to Wednesday, the nonprofit distributed approximately 3,500 free boxes of food. These boxes, valued at $150 each, included a choice of chicken, ham, or turkey, along with all the traditional fixings for a festive holiday mealstuffing, potatoes, green beans, and more.
Demone Carter, the Director of Communications and Special Events for Sacred Heart, emphasized the importance of providing food, especially as the cost of living has risen significantly. In Santa Clara County, poverty and food insecurity persist, affecting various demographics, including homeless individuals and students. According to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, 1 in 14 people and 1 in 22 children face hunger. Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen adds that 1 in 4 people don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and in Silicon Valley, 1 in 3 people suffer from food insecurity.
Sacred Heart, now in its 59th year, has witnessed a steady increase in the demand for its services. Carter noted that food insecurity can be particularly stressful for families during the holiday season. He stated, “What we’re doing is vital. We see so much brokenness in our community and in the world. Every day that we’re open, we’re seeing 500 to 700 families in our food pantry.”
Also Read: Hidden Crisis San Jose Thanksgiving Meal Program Sheds Light on Homelessness
The work undertaken by Sacred Heart is made possible by a dedicated team of 600 or more volunteers, especially during Thanksgiving. Carter highlighted that this effort aligns with the nonprofit’s vision of a community united to end poverty. He explained, “While we’re serving the community, we’re giving other folks who may be more fortunate an opportunity to come and be in community with their neighbors and see poverty beyond statistics.”
Residents like Sakbema Buhaina, 67, consider Sacred Heart a godsend. She expressed, “For people who are homeless or down on their luck this place is the best. If it wasn’t for them, I would be dead.”
Carter mentioned that corporate partners are returning, and this is the first year since COVID-19 hit that volunteer numbers have risen to pre-pandemic levels. He said, “We get it done. We have a great staff and group of volunteers.” Some volunteers have been part of Sacred Heart for decades, and former clients have returned to give back.
Maria Gallardo, organizing manager of Family Support Network at Sacred Heart, has a unique connection to the organizationshe started as a client and has worked there for 22 years. Her children attended Sacred Heart’s educational programs and later volunteered as teaching assistants. She remarked, “Sacred Heart is my family.”
Mike Murray, a volunteer for about 19 years, emphasized the gratitude of clients. He noted that the savings in food costs enable families to afford rent and utilities, preventing them from becoming homeless.
Nga Maidens, a resident, donated eight turkeys to the Thanksgiving food drive. She expressed her desire to give back to the community and encouraged others to contribute, saying, “I wish everybody would donate more to help families in need. Everybody is going through tough times.”
Bill Lee, the Executive Director of Martha’s Kitchen, highlighted the staggering need for food locally and statewide. Martha’s Kitchen served nearly 75,000 meals this week, including 40,000 Thanksgiving meals, through its Silicon Valley partners. Lee emphasized that while Thanksgiving is a time for reflection on blessings, the need for food is a year-round concern, with one in five Californians struggling to get enough to eat.
In conclusion, organizations like Sacred Heart Community Service and Martha’s Kitchen play crucial roles in addressing food insecurity, fostering a sense of community, and providing vital support, especially during the holiday season.
Our Reader’s Queries
What does the Feast of the Sacred Heart celebrate?
The Sacred Heart feast is celebrated every Friday, highlighting Christ’s boundless love, empathy, and endurance towards mankind. This devotion originated from a French Roman Catholic Saint, St., and emphasizes the heart of Christ as a symbol of compassion and devotion.
What is the feast of the Sacred Heart in Colombia?
In Colombia, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, also known as Sacred Heart Day, is celebrated 10 weeks and a day after Easter Sunday. This special day is dedicated to showcasing the boundless and flawless love that Jesus Christ has for all of humanity. It serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifice that He made for us and the unwavering devotion that He has towards us.
What Catholic holiday is June 11?
On June 11, Catholics commemorate the life of St. Barnabas, an apostle and missionary who played a significant role in the early Church. He was one of the first followers of Christ and is credited with welcoming St. Paul into the Church. This day serves as a reminder of his contributions to the faith and his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel.
Can you eat meat on the Feast of the Sacred Heart?
The Sacred Heart feast day is a significant event for Catholics, classified as a “solemnity” – the highest order of liturgical feast. This means that it is to be observed with the same reverence as a Sunday. It is a day of joyous celebration, and any fasting or abstinence from meat is temporarily lifted. This allows for a full and enjoyable experience of the day’s festivities.