In observance of Mother Teresa’s 102nd birthday, Council Member James Vacca has called on local residents to honor the humanitarian’s legacy by donating food during a Day of Service on Sunday, August 26.
At 4 p.m. on August 26, residents are asked to bring their donation of nonperishable food (pasta, sauce, soup, canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, etc.) to the corner of Lydig Avenue and Holland Avenue, beneath the street sign reading “Mother Teresa Way,” which was installed three years ago at Vacca’s request. Vacca and members of the Vacca Volunteer Corps will be on hand to collect the food and deliver the donations to the Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway food pantry.
Local residents not available for the 4 p.m. drop-off are encouraged to donate to one of the following food pantries in honor of Mother Teresa: St. Lucy’s Church (833 Mace Avenue), Our Lady of Solace Church (731 Morris Park Avenue), St. Clare’s Church (1918 Paulding Avenue), St. Benedict’s Church (2969 Otis Avenue), Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway (2157 Holland Avenue). Food can also be dropped off at Vacca’s office, 3040 East Tremont Avenue, prior to August 24.
“Mother Teresa devoted her life to serving the poor, the sick, and the destitute, and her birthday gives us occasion to do our small part to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves,” Vacca said. “Even the smallest donation can make a big difference to families struggling to put food on their tables.”
The food drive has become a very successful tradition which started two years ago in honor of Mother Teresa’s 100th birthday. It is Vacca’s hope that the now-annual tradition will inspire local residents to be generous to others in need year-round.
Residents interested in volunteering to collect and deliver food can call Vacca’s office at (718) 931-1721.