Giving Hands

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me."  Matthew 25: 35-40

This beautiful passage from Holy Bible speaks to the importance of showing kindness and compassion to those who are in need. It serves as a powerful reminder of the impact our actions can have on others. As we go about our daily lives, let us remember our responsibility to extend love and support to those who may be experiencing hardships. By offering a helping hand or a kind word, we can make a significant difference in someone's life.

Food For The Homeless:

At Epworth Church (412 Euclid Ave, Des Moines), various community groups provide a vital service by preparing and serving meals to the homeless. This meaningful initiative was started and is coordinated by Sai Chellappa of West Des Moines. Each Saturday, groups of 4 to 5 families from different communities volunteer their time to prepare and serve lunch for those in need. We invite you to consider joining us in this important effort. The Malayalee community serves here once every two months, and the schedule below will help us coordinate our participation.

Localtion: Basement of Epworth Church 

Address: 412 Euclid Ave, Des Moines

Time of food serving: 11:30AM to 1:00PM (Preparations should be completed by 11:30AM) 

Scheduling and Responsibilities:

Cycle# Date Sponsor 1 Sponsor 2 Helper 1 Helper 2

1 03/14/26 Jerry Anoop Prajith Bimal

2 05/09/26 Bibin James Praveen Shinu

3 07/11/26 Sen Joly Prajith Joey

4 09/12/26 Prajith Bimal Jerry Anoop

5 11/14/26 Praveen Shinu Bibin James

6 01/09/27 Prajith Joey Sen Joly

Sponsor families will handle purchasing the items from the shopping list and share the associated expenses. Helper families will assist with the food preparation (rice and pasta). Together, the Sponsors and Helpers make up the team for the food‑distribution day. If you are unable to serve on your assigned date, you are welcome to swap with another member.

What it takes (wip: can be elaborated)

The team would reach the location by 10:30 AM with all needed food items.

Place the notice board outside the church.

Milk and Juice should be set outside in the hall.

Warm the food items and arrange it on the counter.

After 1:00PM, the hall, kitchen and utensils should be cleaned and arranged to the earlier state.

Notice board kept outside should be taken inside

Remaining food items, if any could either be taken back or drop at the homeless shelter, Hope Cafe at Bethel Mission, 1310 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA - 50314

Trash should be disposed and make sure the church main door is closed

Shopping List

Item Quantity Shopping Center

Milk 2 Gallons Walmar or Costco

Tomato Soup Carton 4 Cartons Costco

Crackers for soup 1 bag (optional) Walmart

Veg Salad 2 packs Costco (Salad dressing may come with this bag)

Croutons an salad dressing For 2 pack salad Walmart

Loaves of Bread 3 Loaves Walmart (may get bread with spread applied)

Butter Spread for bread 1 Tub of Spread Walmart

Juice (Apple, Orange  or any) 2 Gallons o Costco or Walmart 

Cookies (Nut Free from Stores) 50 Cookies Costco

Banana 3 Dozens Costco (ripeness suitable to eat on that day.)

Chilli Beans 1 large can Costco?

Hot Dish 1- Rice Pulav - No nuts 1 Big Tray Helper Family 1

Hot Dish 2- Pasta or Noodles 1 Big tray Helper Family 2

Questions: Please contact Sen or Prajith

Food Arrangement