Faith United Methodist Church Staten Island

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

Another Week of Compassion, Service, and Community at Faith Food Pantry
September 5, 2026 — Faith United Methodist Church, Staten Island, NY
Once again, Faith United Methodist Church Food Pantry demonstrated what can happen when a community comes together with compassion, commitment, and a heart to serve.
This week was another stellar display of service and generosity, as our Food Pantry welcomed a growing number of individuals and families seeking food, clothing, and essential items.
A Warm Start to the Day
This week, the doors opened at 11:00 a.m., giving our guests an opportunity to enjoy a quick breakfast before receiving their pantry items.
What may seem like a small gesture has proven to be a real treat for many of our guests—especially those who may not have had a meal to start their day. At Faith UMC, we believe that serving our neighbors means caring for the whole person, and sometimes that begins with something simple as a warm welcome and something to eat.
A Special Thank You to Rev. Terri T***a
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Rev. Terri T***a, who came through assisting with serving and caring for our guests. Because Rev. T***a is familiar with the Food Pantry process, she needed no reminder about what it means to serve people with care, compassion, and dignity. She immediately stepped in and became part of the team, helping wherever she was needed. Her willingness to serve is a beautiful reminder that ministry is not simply about what we say—it is about what we are willing to do for others.
Thank you, Rev. T***a, for showing up, stepping in, and serving with love.

Growing Demand Requires More Helping Hands
We were also blessed to welcome several new volunteers this week. Their presence was especially important as the number of people coming to the Food Pantry continues to grow.
The increased demand for food and clothing is a clear indication that the need in our community is real and ongoing. Every volunteer matters. Every set of helping hands allows us to serve more people efficiently while making sure that every guest receives the respect and attention they deserve.
We are grateful to everyone who continues to give their time, energy, and heart to this ministry.
A New Number System Brings Order and Fairness
Unlike last week, guests were given numbers to establish their place in line. Numbers 1–5 were called first, followed by the next group, and so on. This simple change made a tremendous difference.
The process was orderly, fair, and efficient. It helped prevent overcrowding and confusion while allowing volunteers to focus on serving each guest. Sometimes, a small change can make a big difference—and this week, the number system helped create a smoother experience for everyone.

A Gift That Helps Us Feed More Families
We are especially grateful for the generous donation of four refrigerators from The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation .This extraordinary gift has made a tremendous difference in the operation of our Food Pantry. Having additional refrigeration allows us to accept, preserve, and safely store more food, which means we can respond to the growing needs of our community and provide more fresh and perishable items to families who need them. We forever extend our deepest appreciation to Richard and Lois Nicotra for believing in Faith United Methodist Church and in the work, we are doing. Richard and Lois, thank you for believing in us to carry out a mission of caring for others, just as you so faithfully do. Your generosity is not simply about four refrigerators, it is an investment in people, families, and a community in need. Your kindness has expanded our capacity to serve, and we are truly grateful.
Generosity That Keeps Giving
The generosity continued throughout the week.
In addition to Friday's delivery, Hood & Soul returned with a second batch of food generously donated by Trader Joe's. Once again, there was an abundance of food to share, and no one left empty-handed.
We are deeply grateful for this continued support and partnership.
The Muslim Sisters of Staten Island also provided a second batch of Amazon items, giving our guests access to additional household necessities, clothing, and essential products.
These acts of generosity are making a tangible difference in the lives of families throughout our community.
No One Left Empty-Handed
At Faith Food Pantry, our goal is more than simply distributing food.
We want every person who walks through our doors to feel that they matter.
Whether someone came for groceries, clothing, household items, breakfast, or simply because they needed a helping hand, they were welcomed and treated with dignity.
And once again, we were able to say: No one left empty-handed.
We Cannot Do This Alone
Faith Food Pantry could not exist without the generosity of our donors, partners, volunteers, churches, organizations, and friends. As the demand continues to increase, so does our need for support. We are asking our community to continue standing with us. We need monetary donations, non-perishable food, fresh produce, clothing, personal-care products, household necessities, and other essential items.
Every donation helps us meet a growing need.
Every volunteer helps us serve another family.
Every act of kindness reminds someone that they have not been forgotten.
A Community United in Service
This week's Food Pantry distribution was another powerful reminder that ministry happens when people are willing to roll up their sleeves and serve.
From the volunteers who arrived early, to those who organized the lines, prepared breakfast, distributed food and clothing, welcomed guests, and stayed until the work was done—every person played a part.
We are grateful to everyone who continues to believe in the mission of Faith Food Pantry.
To our volunteers: Thank you.
To our donors: Thank you.
To our community partners: Thank you.
To Richard and Lois Nicotra and the Nicotra Foundation: Thank you for helping us expand our ability to serve.
To everyone who continues to believe in this ministry: Thank you.
The need is growing, but so is love.
And if there are people willing to give, serve, and care, Faith Food Pantry will continue doing its part to feed, clothe, encourage, and uplift our neighbors.
Give. Share. Serve. Make a Difference.

Faith United Methodist Church Food Pantry
221 Heberton Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10302
347-539-6951
Together, we can make sure no neighbor goes hungry or without the essentials they need.

09/06/2026

🌟 CONGRATULATIONS, CAREEN WELLS JR.! 🌟

Faith United Methodist Church Food Pantry proudly congratulates Careen Wells Jr. on receiving the Volunteer Service Award in recognition of his outstanding dedication, commitment, and faithful service to our Food Pantry ministry.

Careen, your willingness to show up, lend a helping hand, and serve others with compassion has not gone unnoticed. Your kindness, dependability, and caring spirit have made a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.

This award is a small reflection of the tremendous appreciation we have for all that you do. You exemplify what it means to serve with love, humility, and purpose.

Thank you for being a faithful servant and for helping Faith Food Pantry continue its mission of feeding, clothing, encouraging, and caring for our community.

💚 We celebrate YOU today, Careen! 💛

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

With gratitude and appreciation,
Faith United Methodist Church Food Pa

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

A Day of Gratitude, Giving, and Community: Faith UMC Celebrates Its Volunteers

August 29, 2026 — Faith United Methodist Church, Staten Island, NY

What began at 10:30 a.m. as a Volunteer Appreciation Day and weekly Food Pantry distribution quickly became something much greater—a beautiful celebration of service, generosity, love, and community.
The room was filled as guests arrived, and the energy was unmistakable. Dolores Morris, Council Chairperson, and Judy Desiderato carefully recorded attendance as everyone entered. But on this special day, something unusual happened. The guests who normally came to receive assistance became an audience of appreciation, witnessing the volunteers who serve week after week step forward to receive the recognition and awards they so richly deserved.
Before the festivities began, guests were treated to coffee, tea, and pastries, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Then, the celebration truly began.

From Food Pantry to Community Celebration

What followed felt more like a big family party than a traditional pantry distribution. The mood became festive as guests were introduced to the many giveaway stations that had been carefully arranged throughout the room.

Volunteers from various organizations worked side by side, making sure everyone had an opportunity to receive something special.

We were especially blessed to have two First Ladies serving with us that day—Lisa Heyman from Shiloh AME Zion Church and First Lady and award recipient, Marlene Washington from Roseville AME Zion church. Their presence added warmth and grace to an already memorable occasion.

Generosity in Action

The generosity of our donors was evident everywhere.

Martha, representing the Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation,
The West Brighton Kiwanis Club, with Steve Zimmerman and his team
distributed over 100 book bags with accessories, bringing smiles to children and families.
Representing the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, founder and CEO Safiyyah Abdul Qawiyy distributed Amazon products, clothing, book bags, and other essential items. The Hood Soul Foundation, founder and CEO Zenobia Clayborn continued her incredible support by providing a tremendous quantity of food donated by Trader Joe’s, helping Faith UMC put even more food into the hands of families in need.
Bola Ar**la, a member of Faith UMC, generously provided produce, juice, vegetables and much more.

The generosity did not stop there many donors from near and far contributed clothing, food, baby furniture, household necessities, and other essential items. Each donation, regardless of size, became part of something much bigger community determined to make sure that no family feels forgotten.

A Meal with Choices

No weekly Food Pantry distribution at Faith UMC would be complete without our prepared meals.
Through Rethink, our guests were once again blessed with delicious meals prepared by the Lebanese Eatery. This week, guests had a choice: fish, chicken, or vegetarian meals. The simple opportunity to choose meant so much. It allowed our guests to select a meal that suited their preferences while reminding everyone that dignity and choice are important parts of service.

Volunteers Who Made It Happen

Throughout the day, volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front lines.
Charles Wilson provided light music that helped create a joyful atmosphere. William Morris III, Everette Linton, Pantry Coordinator, and Robert Nix did an outstanding job managing the crowded room and keeping the flow of guests organized. The Volunteer Appreciation Awards recognized individuals and groups whose dedication has helped strengthen the work of Faith UMC’s Food Pantry.

Those receiving awards included:
• Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority – Kopells Group
• Imani Washington
• Marlene Washington
• Robert Nix
• Steve Zimmerman
• Jenevive Goldman
• Careen Wells Jr.
• Georgia Alexander

The awards were presented by Pastor John Wood, Dolores Morris, Council Chairperson, Everette Linton, Lay Leader, and Lorna Wilson, Food Pantry Coordinator.

Many Hands, One Mission

Of course, no event like this happens because of a few people. It takes many hands, willing hearts, and a shared commitment to serve. Special appreciation goes to Janet Simister, Leah Pride, Mother Aria Pride, and the numerous volunteers who gave their time, energy, and love to make the day successful.
There were so many people working behind the scenes that it seemed as though the list of helpers never ended and that was exactly what made the day so special.

No One Left Empty-Handed

Although the official event was scheduled to close at 2:00 p.m., guests continued to pour through the doors even after closing time. But at Faith UMC, we believe that no one should come seeking help and leave empty-handed. So, even as the clock moved past 2:00, volunteers continued to serve. Because this is more than a Food Pantry. It is ministry. It is community. It is Kingdom work and it is a reminder that when people come together with compassion and a willingness to serve, extraordinary things can happen.

A Day We Will Remember

August 29, 2026, will be remembered not simply as Volunteer Appreciation Day, but as a day when those who serve were celebrated, those who give were honored, and those who came seeking assistance were treated with dignity, love, and respect. From the first cup of coffee to the final bag of food and supplies, Faith United Methodist Church was filled with something money cannot buy—the spirit of generosity.
To every volunteer, donor, organization, church member, partner, and friend who helped make this day possible:
Thank you! Your hands made a difference. Your generosity made a difference. Your presence made a difference and most importantly, your willingness to serve made a difference in the lives of others.

At Faith UMC, we continue to believe that when we serve together, we become the hands and feet of Christ, and no one has to walk alone.

Support Our Food Pantry — Every Donation Makes a Difference!

Faith United Methodist Church Food Pantry is reaching out to our community for your generous support. We are currently accepting monetary donations, clothing, non-perishable food, personal care products, and essential household items.

Your generosity helps us provide food, clothing, hot meals, and essential supplies to individuals and families in need throughout our community.

Every gift matters. Every donation helps. Every act of kindness makes a difference.

Whether you give cash, clothing, groceries, toiletries, or other essential items, you are helping us continue our mission of feeding, clothing, and caring for our neighbors.

Please consider donating today and becoming a blessing to someone in need.
Dropoff location:

Faith United Methodist Church Food Pantry
221 Heberton Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10302
347-539-6951

Together, we can make sure no neighbor goes hungry or without the essentials they need.
Give. Share. Serve. Make a Difference!