Feeding the Hungry Each and Every Day

Thanksgiving 2011 at St. Mary Catholic Parish Food Pantry began with exactly 100 turkeys for 100 families. But as the line grew longer, two volunteers realized they would run short. They clasped hands and prayed—one Hail Mary, one Glory Be. The moment they said "Amen," a knock came at the kitchen door. Three turkeys arrived, exactly enough for the three families still waiting. Throughout the morning, the line grew and so did donations. By the day's end, eighteen extra turkeys had appeared—118 families fed, the exact number in line. While turkeys appearing may not constitute a miracle in some eyes, for Debi Gorka they were an answered prayer. This is the kind of grace that happens when communities show up for their neighbors and answer Christ's call in Matthew 25:35: "For I was hungry and you gave me food."