ORLANDO, Fla. — Within the hallowed halls of Christ the King Episcopal Church Orlando, Silvia Mendoza finds peace and purpose.
What You Need To Know
- The Healing Hunger Food Pantry is at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Azalea Park
- Healing Hunger Food Pantry is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month
- If you'd like to volunteer or contribute, contact the church
Silvia is a regular volunteer in the Healing Hunger Food Pantry.
The mother of three who’s from Colombia, once knocked on the doors of this church, asking for help.
She was fleeing violence in her country and is now among those giving help.
The mission of the pantry was born out of misery first caused by Hurricane Maria.
In operation for years, the pantry is now providing food for people affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
With a team of volunteers under the guidance of Father Jose Rodriguez, they serve nearly 800 people a month.
The pantry is part of a bigger effort through the Episcopal Diocese to help people in Central Florida.
Hoower Cajica says for him, volunteering is about showing his faith through his service.
He says those here come from all walks of life, have different faiths, speak different languages, but share the same bond of wanting to do good.
Silvia says each bag they fill at the pantry is feeding not just a family, but the community.