When I arrived at Wells Hall it was 8 o’clock am, an hour before start time. Tables were set out with sticky notes specifying places for shoes, socks, diapers, children’s pajamas, clothing, and three tables for over a hundred backpacks filled with school supplies. I talked with the first person in line. She shared that she is raising four grandchildren and needs shoes. Meanwhile volunteers were piling the tables high. Lola rolled out her Italian ice cart and the barbecue grills made their way to the courtyard. Soon there was a long line of families eager to come in. Valerie Reinke from the diocese was organizing families as they came through the door. Another volunteer and I were finding names on the rsvp list and Lisa Mason stamped their hands to show they were participating. Dax was supervising everything: getting ribs unloaded from her truck and to the grills, telling where the hot dogs were in the refrigerator, getting out the chips and drinks, and seemed to remain calm amid the torrent of questions coming from all sides. Eric volunteered to man the grills along with his friend Aaron. What a joy it was to see our courtyard full of more than a hundred families. They were enjoying hot dogs and scrumptious us ribs, talking and listening to music. When it was over Dax’s crew, including James Lang, put everything away, cleaned up and put the tables back in place for Sunday morning. It was a wonderful event.
Community & Parish Life
July 2, 2026
