Outreach to the Poor

Social Concerns/Food Pantry
(Located at 1238 Aurora Road. *Monday - through Friday 9 AM to 11 AM)
Serves those in need of food, clothing, and emergency assistance. This ministry is supported by donations of food and money from our community. Volunteers are needed to work in the pantry. (Contact MaryAnn Gilboard 259-5685)

Daily Bread Soup Kitchen

An important part of the parish's commitment to the poor and homeless is volunteer service at the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen at 815 Fee Avenue in downtown Melbourne. This facility provides a hot luncheon meal to between 200-250 clients each day of the year.

Volunteer opportunities include:

  • Helping to prepare the meal (cut meat and vegetables, prepare salads, etc.) under the supervision of Daily Bread cooks between 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
  • Being on the "serving team" on the food line between 10:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • Sorting and shelving food at the Daily Bread Distribution Center, which is open from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
  • Assisting in other areas of need, such as hygiene services and clothing distribution, "food rescue" pickup from local supermarkets and restaurants, or computer entry.

    Managerial volunteers also are needed, including building and kitchen managers to direct the work of service volunteers.

    Most volunteers work a four-hour stint. Some come weekly, some monthly. Training is provided for all assignments. Volunteers include retired senior citizens, working men and women who come on a weekend day, and teenagers fulfilling school-related community service requirements.

    Ascension is committed to providing 10 volunteers for the "serving team" on the second Saturday of every month and on the fifth Friday. Other service times can be tailored to the availability of the volunteer and the needs of Daily Bread. Call Paul or Mary Kay Kantz, parish coordinators, at 253-4504 for details and scheduling.