KAREN (left) AND IRIS. church president, of the Martin Luther Evangelical Church in Mimico offer hot soup and other items to residents in need. Photo by Tom Godfrey.
Members of a Mimico church have been braving the cold to hand out soup, bread, clothing and other supplies to help area residents in need.
Many of our local churches have been forced due to COVID-19 to cancel their Christmas Day meals that are usually attended by hundreds of families in need and those who are homeless.
Many of their children will not receive toys that are usually donated by members of the community and handed out at the events.
Iris Schweiger, president of the Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church, at 2379 Lake Shore Blvd. W. , and another member were out on Christmas Eve handing out hot soup, bread, fresh fruits, masks, hand sanitizers and other items to those in need.
Residents were saying hello and some came by with donations of items or change for a donation box.
Schweiger shows a nicely-decorated pine branch that was made by an 82-year-old member of her congregation “to cheer people up.”
“We are here to help everybody,” she says. “We also have clothing that is donated and free for women.”
She said hundreds of families are disappointed due to the cancellation of Christmas meals this year.
“People are disappointed but they know COVID-19 is a deadly pandemic,” Schweiger explains. “There is a lot of demand for our services.”
They are concerned about seniors in the area who cannot leave their homes due to the inclement weather or fears of contracting the virus.
“We are worried for the seniors and those who cannot leave their homes to pick up a soup,” says Karen, a church volunteer.
The churches, including the Wesley Mimico United Church, have packed dozens of food boxes that have been taken to the homes of area residents who may have mobility issues or fear the virus and have not left their homes for a long time.
A food bank in the Martin Luther church’s basement has posted a note on the front door advising regular users to call and they can have their food items delivered to their homes.
Officials of St. Margaret’s church, on Sixth Street, say they are disappointed to cancel their Christmas Day meal and toy giveaway for children.
The church normally attracts several hundred attendees who turn out for the meals, which are all made by volunteers using food donated by area companies.