Faith in the Public Square

Catholic Charities, in conjunction with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, is continuing to provide free food to anyone in need at food drops throughout the Capital District. A list of dates and locations is below. Volunteers are also needed to help distribute the food. A typical day begins at  8:15 a.m. and ends around 11:45 a.m. Volunteers can stay for the entire time or contribute less time if that is necessary.   The events are outside so volunteers are advised to dress appropriately.  Food will be packed and placed in the trunks of people’s cars when they drive through.  Volunteers are asked to wear a mask; gloves will be provided.  For further details or to volunteer, contact  volunteer@ccrcd.org     June 1 Montgomery Centro Civico 143 E. Main Street, Amsterdam June 11 Albany Macedonia Baptist Church 26 Wilson Avenue, Albany June 14 Albany Metropolitan New Missionary  105 Second Street, Albany June 17 Montgomery Our Lady of Hope Church  119 Reid Street, Fort Plain J

On Saturday, May 29, the National Muslim Soup Kitchen Project expects to serve about 2,000 meals, if not more, in the Capital District. One site is at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 275 State Street in Albany. Free to-go meals of chicken, rice, and vegetables will be available from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. For more information, call 518-443-0460. Food will also be distributed at the South End Children’s Cafe, 25 Warren Street in Albany. The Project seeks to encourage as many groups as possible, including other faith communities in the Capital District to come together once a year to plan and host a soup kitchen in their towns or cities to help those in need. In addition to the Al-Hidaya Center of Latham, this year’s event is being supported by the FOCUS Churches of Albany and the Capital Area Council of Churches. The Muslim Soup Kitchen Project, the community service arm of the Al-Hidaya Muslim Center in Latham, serve meals at several shelters monthly. The national Project has since spread to 11

Albany’s  CROP Hunger Walk, organized by the Capital Area Council of Churches, celebrated 40 years of walking to end hunger on Sunday with a virtual Opening Ceremony via Zoom.  The  walk is now named for the late Rev. John U. Miller, who was active in the Council for many years.  You can watch the ceremony  here . Among those participating were Honorary Chairperson Christina Arangio, News10ABC anchor; Adam Smedberg, Community Events Specialist for Church World Services; Ruth Pelham of Music Mobile fame; Bruce France, Executive Director of the Council; and long-time Committee Chairperson Kitt Jackson.     There is still time to register on-line, join a team, or donate. Just visit the Council website here . Or, you can call the Council office with any questions at 518-462-5450.