Helping Our Friends in Need
On a recent chilly Saturday morning ShalomNYC and members of the community organized an annual Friendsgiving event in commemoration of World Day of the Poor, Nov. 17.
Volunteers from all different parts of the tristate area donated clothing jackets, foods, hygienic products and their time to give back to those in need around Brooklyn.
The community organized four mission trips, where vans were loaded with pre-packed goods to deliver to those on the streets looking for work and those at shelters who have the constant uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring. One of the missions I went on was to a Home Depot, where men were lined along the entrance waiting to be picked up in consideration for work.
I felt a mixture of emotions—sadness, empathy, and a profound sense of responsibility. These were people who had stories, lives, dreams, just like me—but they were in a place where they didn’t have the same safety or stability that many of us take for granted.
As we handed out hot meals, warm blankets, clothing, and hygiene kits, I saw something that I wasn’t expecting smiles. Despite the hardships these men endure, despite the struggles they face every day, they smiled. And in those smiles, I felt the power of community, of shared humanity, and of hope.
Although the men spoke limited English, I tried my best to show in gesture that God is with us no matter the trials and tribulations we may have. There was one man who, before grabbing the bag, signaled his heart and looked up in the sky with a peaceful, knowing semblance as I handed his kit. “Thank you,” he said, in a calm voice, but with a warmth that seemed to transcend where he was at that moment. He didn’t need to say much more. It was as if he
understood that someone cared. And that was enough.
A smile, a kind gesture, a few words of compassion, praying with them—these things go beyond any language. It is in these small exchanges, where we show our fellow brothers and sisters that they are valued and hold a special bond with Our Lord.
Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of the Poor
The Pope reminds us that “The poor are at the center of the Gospel.” He calls on each of us to be mindful of the poor and marginalized, not just on special days, but every day. Pope Francis spoke about the “closeness” we are called to have with the poor, the need to listen to them, and to accompany them with love and respect.
In a world that often pushes the poor to the margins, the Pope’s words serve as a powerful reminder that we are all brothers and sisters, created in the image of God, regardless of our circumstances. The poor, he reminds us, are not just “objects” of charity; they are subjects of our love and care, and we are invited to encounter them as equals.
Our outreach wasn’t just about handing out meals. It was about recognizing the dignity of each person we encountered. It was about seeing them as they truly are—children of God—deserving of love, respect, and care.
The Importance of Keeping God in Our Lives
Upon returning from the mission trip, I was able to connect in deep conversation with a man named Vincent, who lives in a nearby men’s shelter. He told me his faith was a source of strength since the passing of his mother nine years ago “God hasn’t forgotten me,” he said.
“He’s still here with me, even in this place. My heart is like a Christmas tree rejoicing for Jesus.” As I listened, I was reminded of the importance of keeping God in our lives—no matter where we are or what we are going through. For those of us with homes, families, and security, it can sometimes be easy to forget that faith is what sustains us all. But for those who have lost everything, faith is often all they have left. It’s a reminder to us all that God’s love is
unconditional, that He is present in every moment, and that we are never alone.
The people we met didn’t need fancy words or grand gestures. They needed to feel seen, to feel valued. And most of all, they needed to be reminded that God’s love is for them too, no matter what their circumstances may be.
A Call to Action: Serving Beyond One Day
As our Friendsgiving mission came to a close, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. But more than that, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Pope Francis’ call to live out our faith in service to the poor isn’t just something we do on holidays—it’s a way of life.
This experience reminded me that it’s not enough to simply feel pity or sympathy for those who are struggling. We must show up. We must be present. We must serve. Whether it’s through donating food, volunteering at a shelter, or simply taking the time to listen to someone in need, our actions matter.
As we continue to celebrate the blessings in our lives, I encourage you to think about how you can serve others—not just during the holidays, but year-round. The poor and the marginalized are waiting for our love, our support, and our solidarity. And when we offer that, we bring a little more of God’s light into the world.
Let’s remember, as Pope Francis said, that the poor are at the center of the Gospel. And they should be at the center of our lives, too.
May we always be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need.
shalomnewyork@comshalom.org