Samaritan Center

The Samaritan Center in Syracuse is an “interfaith effort of community members committed to serving the hungry and those in need in order to promote their welfare dignity and self sufficiency. It is rooted in the belief that sound nutrition is the first step in enabling people to cope and become productive, self-sufficient members of society.” I saw an article in the local paper about the center so I filled out an online application and received an approval email quickly. The Center utilizes an online scheduling system which makes it easy to see shifts that need to be filled. We easily scheduled a 3 hour shift midday on the Saturday after Christmas. The Samaritan Center needs 25 volunteers per shift, 365 days a year (except during a pandemic) or about 1,500 volunteers a month to serve the needs of the community. Our second shift was a week later when we worked during the food prep hours.

The Set Up

The Center is located in a beautiful 157 year old church on the north side of the city. When we arrive there are about a dozen people waiting outside. The front doors are locked and a woman waiting lets us know that we have to be buzzed in. Those outside are friendly and chatting among themselves and with us. There is a man waiting in a wheelchair to get in. I am grateful that there is a ramp for him as I am standing there in the cold air.

We were greeted by Marianne, a wonderful woman who welcomes us and takes us to hang up our coats in the locked office at the rear of the sanctuary and then directs us to check in. I am amazed as I look around at the old sanctuary. It is beautiful. Amazing architecture and detail. I am in awe of the facility. The altar has been replaced with a beautiful, well equipped kitchen and a stained glass mural looks over it all. There are pews lined up and tables and chairs in between. Seating is everywhere in the sanctuary. There is a family section to one side and small tables for children surrounded by a book nook.

On the half wall there is extra food that people may take if they need it. Romaine lettuce, tortillas, and other items. Some close to their expiration date but still usable. Throughout my shift I periodically see people take some. I also see there are some people who look at the items and appear to only take ready to eat. Perhaps they do not have kitchens within which to prepare the dried peas, lentils, and other items that need preparation. The volunteers are a happy group, everyone has their closed toed shoes and hat. Hairnets, aprons, and food service gloves are provided as needed. Marc, who is in charge of the operation in the kitchen, directs one person at a time, he is patient. I can’t imagine giving direction to new people every shift! The food has been prepared and the coffee is hot. Volunteers are directed to different jobs throughout the space. I was assigned to serve on the line.

Joyce was next to me, another first time volunteer. Once the doors were opened people lined up to get coffee and food. The menu is listed on a board as they come in and we serve up plates as fast as we can. There are runners to restock the food line, servers for those who can’t come up or have children, those who clean off tables, some doing dishes, wrapping cookies, filling pudding cups for dessert, dish washers and more. People come in thirty maybe right away, but the line doesn’t end for over an hour, and even then there are a few people sporadically making their way in right up until the doors are closed.

People are very grateful. They say please and thank you, they make eye contact, one man sang to us, one blessed us, all are appreciative. Today's menu is Salisbury steak, vegetable medley, potato salad, lettuce salad, fruit, dessert and beverages. Volunteers make sandwiches and bag lunches for those who need them, it looks like a staff member distributes these. In addition to serving all the food items, they bus tables, serve coffee, make conversation, help the disabled, prep for the next meal, wash dishes, mop floors, and generally help with everything. At the end of our shift the tables have been sanitized, the garbage taken out, the dishes done, the food prepared for the next meal, and more.

During our 2nd shift we helped prepare the food once again under Marc's direction. A donation from a local grocer had come in the day before and there was a lot to do. We helped cut and bag desserts, day old brownies, cookies, etc. We cracked 33 dozen eggs for the next days breakfast, scooped fruit cups, made bag lunches, scooped yogurt, dated donations, and more. The work was fast and we enjoyed the conversation with other volunteers as Marc directed us.

Impact

During the shift where we served meals there were about 150 or so people who came through the line. I do not know how many bag lunches were handed out. Marc said their numbers have been fluctuating and that at one point there were almost 300 per meal service. He feels as though some of the regulars from during that time have found jobs and no longer need the resources here:) (I don't know how the Covid-19 quarantine has impacted this).

The staff were wonderful and positive and friendly. The other volunteers during each shift were also happy to take direction and be useful. The people who came through the doors were genuinely grateful for the meal, a smile, and a warm place to sit. Overall, the Samaritan Center does wonderful work filling the need.

Personal View

There are several aspects of the work they do here that I love. The ease of volunteering for individuals or groups, the wrap around services and resources provided, the commitment of the paid employees, the reuse of an old building to serve the community in a new way, the feeling of the space when individuals and families fill it to enjoy a warm meal.

How You Can Help

COVID-19 Statement from Samaritan Center Website

"**As of March 13th we have changed meal service to a “take out” meal only. Guests will be able to pick up their take out meal during regular meal times. Our goal is to provide uninterrupted meal service for the people we serve, while maintaining appropriate health and safety measures during these challenging times."

WISH LIST DURING QUARANTINE

Samaritan Center Website

Samaritan Center Wish List

KITCHEN NEEDS

large canned fruit, soup & vegetables, napkins, paper towels, sandwich bags, sugar & creamer packets, cereal, individual oatmeal/cereal, breakfast bars, jelly, butter, fruit juice, drink mix, milk, sandwiches, baked goods, yogurt, latex gloves, hair nets, volunteers to serve & prep

GUEST ITEMS

gloves, hats, and scarves, socks, belts, deodorant, razors, chap stick, travel sized wipes, shaving cream, toiletries, toilet paper, blankets, pots & pans, coffee pots, can openers, cooking & serving utensils

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

latex gloves, sandwich & trash bags, bleach & laundry detergent, Mr. Clean Sponges, silverware, spray cleaner, Clorox wipes, hand soap, hand sanitizer, Home Depot & Lowe's Gift Cards

OFFICE SUPPLIES

blue gel pens, stamps (Forever), packing tape, laminating paper, iPad, file folders, flash drives, white copy paper

DINING & BUILDING SUPPLIES

paint brushes- all sizes, ladders - all sizes, work gloves, paint rollers, mop heads, lawn waste bag, sidewalk salt

Volunteer (after the quarantine!)