The Dorothy Day Center

Help deliver food on Saturday, January 28, 2012

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Come live out Jesus' second greatest commandment to love your neighbor as yourself this Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 9 a.m. at The Dorothy Day Center. We will meet to sack groceries and deliver food to people who need emergency assistance and who do not have transportation to get to a pantry. The time commitment is about two to three hours. We will deliver to about 200 households. Don't let this number intimidate you. The Holy Spirit works in people's hearts and 30 to 40 volunteers show up. You could be one of them.

The Dorothy Day Center is located at 4909 State Street in Warr Acres. It is one block south of NW 50th and one block east of N. Grove, on the far southeast corner of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church's property (nearest major intersection NW 50th and MacArthur). Thank you.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-12-23T20:44:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who have supported The Dorothy Day Center with your prayers, donations, and volunteerism this year.

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in bands of cloth, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." Luke 2:7

Need help on Monday November 14 at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Dorothy Day Center

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The holiday program is in full swing along with regular grocery deliveries. Our parish provides a frozen turkey and fixings for 100 and more families who otherwise would not be enjoying a Thanksgiving meal. The regular grocery delivery day also takes place, providing groceries for 200 and more households. Monday morning, November 14 we will meet at 9 a.m. at The Dorothy Day Center for a food pick-up. The time commitment is two hours. At 12:30 on the same day we will also meet at Aldi grocery store, NW Expressway and Rockwell, OKC, to pick up frozen turkeys and other groceries for the holiday program. We will drive the food back to The Dorothy Day Center and store it there for distribution next week. The time commitment is about three hours.

Your help (and your car or truck) are greatly appreciated for either time, or both. Thank you and God bless you.

November 19 delivery will be at Capitol Hill Church of the Nazarene

2011-11-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Please note a change of location for the Saturday, November 19 Catholic Worker grocery delivery day. We will be meeting at Capitol Hill Church of the Nazarene, 3412 South Shartel, Oklahoma City. We will meet at 9 a.m. and will be delivering to about 300 households. The time commitment is about 3 hours.

We need about 24 drivers, pickup trucks more than welcome! On the same Saturday, also beginning at 9 a.m. St. Charles Borromeo parish will be using the Dorothy Day Center, 4909 State Street, to distribute Thanksgiving groceries through its Holiday Program. Lots more volunteers than usual are needed in both locations, and the need is especially critical for drivers at Capitol Hill. If the holiday spirit is striking you a bit early, come by either location and help out. Thank you and God bless you! Those who receive life-giving nutrition are deeply appreciative and you will be earning life-saving grace and blessings! For further information: www.justpeace.org

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, Saturday, November 19 is the only delivery day for this month.

Two Locations in November and December, volunteers needed

2011-10-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

Note that we will be providing food for the poor at the Dorothy Day Center and Church of the Epiphany on November 19 and December17. Because of the way the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are on the calendar, we do all of our deliveries on one day each of those two months. The delivery days for those months are always the Saturday just before the holiday. During November and December, St. Charles parish uses the Dorothy Day Center for its holiday program, so for those two months, we will bag the groceries off site from the Dorothy Day Center. For Christmas 2011, we will be at the Church of the Epiphany, 7336 W. Britton Road (between Rockwell and Council). Park in the west parking lot and enter at the Family Life Center entrance. The location for the November delivery will be announced as soon as we have found a place. This year we will do our holiday deliveries on Saturday November 19 and Saturday December 17.

Congratulations to Hank Halpin!

2011-10-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Hank Halpin, Dorothy Day Center volunteer (and a volunteer in many other areas as well). Hank will receive the annual Humilitas award, given to those who have made significant contributions to the parish. He will receive the award at the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at St. Charles Borromeo. A potluck supper follows in the Activity Center. Bring a hearty casserole, salad, dessert or other food item prior to Mass and the Acitivities Committee will keep it cold or hot. All are invited to join in giving thanks for Hank and his selfless service.

October at the Dorothy Day Center, Mark October 4, 15 and 22 on your calendar

2011-10-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

Please join us this month in living out Jesus' second greatest commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself." We will gather on Tuesday morning, October 4 at 8 a.m. at the Dorothy Day Center to unload the monthly Regional Food Bank truck delivery. The food arrives shrink-wrapped on four or five pallets and we simply organize it on the shelves. The time commitment is about an hour and a half.

We will sack and deliver groceries to people who lack transportation to get to a food pantry on two Saturdays, October 15, and October 22 at 9 a.m., also at the Dorothy Day Center. The time commitment is about two to three hours. If you can't deliver, many hands are welcome and you can sack groceries and stay and sweep up the floor at the Center and/or re-cycle cardboard.

The Dorothy Day Center is located one block south of NW 50th and one block east of N. Grove, on the far southeast corner of the St. Charles Borromeo church property. Closest major intersection: NW 50th and MacArthur, Warr Acres.

News from the St. Charles Community Organic Garden

2011-08-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

As this is being written, a gentle rain falls and thunder rumbles. Though Oklahoma City is still parched and nearby Lake Overholser looks like a rain puddle, it is a welcome, relaxing sound that causes us to pause and give thanks to the Creator--the darkest hour is just before the dawn.

This season, we enjoyed a bumper crop of cucumbers--the first year for such bounty (go figure!). Tomatoes were a sad story for every Oklahoma City gardener. The temperatures in June rose so quickly the tomato blossoms did not have the cool nightime temperatures needed to set. Our herbs thrived--rosemary, sage, and basil. A spring stand of old-fashioned purple, white and pink larkspur provided beauty and benefit. They are poisonous to the plant-ravenous Japanese beetles that love to hang out by the security lights on the Dorothy Day Center. Sunflowers grew to 12' high and provided the plants with welcome shade from the 105 degree plus temperatures.

The Bible teaches us about "seven years fat, and seven years lean" (Genesis 41:25-36). Gardening teaches us about patience and learning to live with failure. We give thanks to the Lord for the food we could raise and share and look forward to a fall crop of collard greens, swiss chard, turnips, spinach and beans.

Volunteers--Thank you for getting the garden ready on April 16th!

2011-04-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

Each year we receive a small blessing from God after we plant the garden, one that is in addition to the springtime blessings of rain, sunshine, breezes, and beneficial insects. This year was no exception. Friday, April 15th was brutal weather; 35-45 m.p.h. winds and cold temps, the Saturday morning temperature on the 16th was 43 degrees; hardly hospitable weather for gardening. By Saturday afternoon, the temperature crept up to 70 and the sun came out. A small but sturdy crowd gathered and we tilled the soil and planted our crops, including tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and flowers.

As we finished, a beautiful butterfly lit on one of our plant markers. It rested there for five minutes or so, long enough to be photographed and admired. We don't know how such a delicate creature survived the wind and weather, or why it chose our new and still quite bare garden for a break. But we thank you God, for all the gifts of nature you shower upon us so we can provide food for people who need help.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Jesus, Numbers, Poverty and the Dorothy Day Center

2011-03-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 14:13-21, Jesus feeds 5,000 from five fish and two loaves. After the miracle occurs, his followers probably plot the logistics of serving. When the meal is over, they may have given each other the Biblical equivalent of a high five--no food riots and everyone could take to heart Jesus' precious words. Stretching things a bit, we might say this is an early example of "keeping" statistics.

In 2010, the Dorothy Day Center provided emergency assistance for 7,268 adults and 3,991 children. When we look at year-end numbers, we feel the same way the disciples might have--satisfaction and the hope that a temporary relief of physical suffering might allow people time and resources to escape from poverty and for a spiritual life to grow. However, in numbers, something is gained, but something is also lost. An old saying goes, "Statistics are faces with their tears wiped away."

Dorothy Day herself described this conundrum best. "This last year, at St. Joseph's House of Hospitality, we gave out, roughly speaking and underestimating at that, 460,000 meals. This is what the world sees and if we wished to impress the world, we would multiply this by eighteen years and the figure would be truly impressive. But suppose a mother should say, 'I've put one thousand and ninety-five meals on the table this year. I've washed fifty thousand plates. It is easy to see how foolish it is to look at things in this light. I am sure God is not counting the meals. He is looking at Tony Aratari, Joe Monroe, Ray Taylor, turning off their alarm clocks at five every morning to go downstairs to start the coffee, cut the bread."

Jesus took care of multitudes, but He seems most concerned with the number one--each one of us--the lost sheep, the lost coin, the prodigal son (Luke, Chapter 15). And even though he said, "the poor will always be among you," (Mark 14:7), He did not intend for us to give up in despair. Dorothy Day also said, "Yes, the Lord said the poor will always be with us, but we are not content that there be so many of them. The class structure is our making and by our consent, not God's and we must do what we can to change it."

To help with this ministry, visit the Dorothy Day Center's website, http://www.thedorothydaycenter.com/ and click on the link Volunteer Opportunities for 2011.

A Warehouse Inspired by God

2010-05-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

The spiritual nature of the food ministry at the Dorothy Day Center has never been in doubt. Those who serve report fulfillment and comfort just working in the building, and life-changing experiences while delivering food. Here are some observations from volunteers:

Doug said: "I just love to get food for people and the warm feeling it gives you. People are so appreciative." Doug delivered to an elderly woman who needed ongoing help. She lived to be 100 years old. She made a fruit salad or cookies from food she was given and shared it with him when he brought groceries.

An elderly man receiving regular assistance was dying. He called for the volunteer from the Dorothy Day Center to be with him in his last moments. Doug was holding his hand when he passed away.

Marcus Evans, the Director (volunteer also) said, "Today I was thinking what a holy place this is, the work that goes on here, and how it inspires people to be good Christians. I don't even know how to put it into words. It seems so right."

Hank said, "Sometimes if you are down in the dumps, to come here and sit, or do some task, it clears your mind."

Monica said, "I love seeing kids come over from St.Charles School to sort cans or unpack boxes. The Center helps them know the world is a big place and some people in it are suffering. It is a faith-enriching experience for them."

Marcus said the food that arrives sometimes reminds him of the story of Elijah, the poor widow, and the oil and flour that did not run out. (1 Kings 17:8-24) Specialized items like Ensure or diabetic applesauce have shown up as a Food Bank commodity when there is a dietary request. When the need is no longer there, "those foods are never available again," Evans said.

Photos of the St. Charles Community Garden 2008

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Photos of the St. Charles Community Garden 2009

2010-03-05T12:20:00.001-08:00

Secrets of the Dorothy Day Center

2009-10-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

From the beginning, the sacred nature of the mission to feed the hungry has never been in doubt. Here are some little known facts about the ministry:

When the 2,000-square foot structure was built, significant spiritual items were incorporated into its construction:
Holy cards of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope John Paul, and others were placed behind the inside and outside walls during construction.
Three religious medals are buried in the concrete floor--one of the Virgin Mary, Mother Teresa, and St. Francis of Assisi.
Holy water was mixed into the concrete when the foundation was poured and the flooring was blessed in a dedication ceremony.

The Dorothy Day Center has a computer, paid for by a grant, to track the daily temperatures of the walk-in freezer, refrigerator, and the building.

There is no plaque with donor names, only a framed piece of paper with signatures of those who donated construction labor.

The building was built and paid for by private donations in one year. It cost $107,000.

Each month, the Regional Food Bank delivers about 12,000 lbs. of food. With money donations, volunteer buyers can acquire fresh items like milk, butter, eggs, meat, and cheese.

The Dorothy Day Center is an all-volunteer operation. Most do their jobs without others knowing who does them.

A traveling crucifix and a diary passes among the volunteers. Made by an Oklahoma City firefighter, the cross travels with the book for each person to record their thoughts.

48,000 people have received food assistance since the ministry began in 2005.

Though we are based in the Catholic Church, people of all faiths volunteer and receive.

The Holy Spirit has called more than 100 helpers in surprising and unusual ways. More volunteers and donations are always needed. For information and volunteer opportunities, visit the website www.thedorothydaycenter.com

"Jesus Christ, though he was rich, for your sake became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9

Welcome to the St. Charles Community Organic Garden

2009-10-17T18:29:00.001-07:00

Our garden is next to the Dorothy Day Center, and is part of the food sharing ministry. Volunteer grocery deliverers can pick from it, and bring food to folks who have little or no access to garden-fresh vegetables.

It is also part of our parish. Stop by after Mass and choose a few things for your own table!

It is in a neighborhood. We never know where there is need, and no child of God should be denied food.

Our organic garden serves many communities. Obviously, five raised beds cannot feed this many people. That brings us to another important role; to demonstrate and teach. You too, can build a garden for your own back yard. Raised beds are low-maintenance, easy to water, requires little weeding, and fits in compact, sunny places. We offer occasional free classes, workshops, and special events for this purpose.

Rising food prices and an awareness of the superior nutritional value of home-grown foods make this a ministry whose time has come. Our grandparents and great-grandparents knew it. In the days when most Americans lived on farms or in small towns, kitchen gardens were commonplace.

As spiritual people, our little green oasis is much more than a collection of plants. God created the first garden, and His Son suffered in one at Gethsemane. Gardens can be a place of holy significance, where we bring our joys and sorrows, and spend time in prayer and reflection. A box by the compost bin contains prayer materials, and chairs are available for workers and visitors to rest and admire the Creator's handiwork.

Volunteers are always needed and time involved is minimal. Jobs include watering, weeding, fertilizing, and plant staking. Watchful eyes are needed to spot sick plants or insect infestation, and implement organic remedies. In spring and late summer, we meet to till the soil and start new crops.

For further information contact the garden coordinator at stcharlesgarden@cox.net or visit the website http://www.thedorothydaycenter.com/ and click on The St. Charles Community Garden

"Let us press on to know the Lord . . . He will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters teh earth." Hosea 6:3

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The Dorothy Day Center and St. Charles Community Garden

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The Dorothy Day Center is a food ministry that serves nearly 12,000 individuals and families yearly in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Dedicated in 2005, the Center is a 2,000-square foot warehouse with a walk-in freezer and refrigerator. It is a part of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church's social ministries program. St. Charles is located in Warr Acres, Oklahoma.

The Dorothy Day Center is an all volunteer operation. More than 100 people from all faiths and walks of life donate time and expertise. They serve as grocery deliverers, warehouse helpers, gardeners, fundraisers, and grocery shoppers, among many other tasks.

The ministry is a delivery only service, providing help to people referred by Catholic Charities, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Department of Human Services, school systems, and many other agencies.

Food for the Dorothy Day Center comes from three sources: the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and donations of non-perishable grocery items. Monetary gifts allow volunteer shoppers to purchase items hard to find on a food pantry diet, such as vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, and cheese.

In 2007, the St. Charles Community Garden opened next door to the Center building. It was an Eagle Scout project that grew out of a need to provide fresh fruits and vegetables for people receiving food aid, parishioners, and our friends and neighbors in the community around the church.

For further information: http://www.thedorothydaycenter.com/

http://www.stcharlesokc.org/