On Saturday, November 9th, over 30 dedicated St. Philippians transformed The Bread of Life, a vital resource providing daily hot meals to those in need. Our volunteers brightened the dining room with a fresh coat of paint, a much-needed update after over a decade. We also tackled other improvements, including painting the office, removing an old sink, creating a new dining room entrance, repairing the front door, installing a new gate for the dumpster fence, and relocating the scrap food container for a more aesthetically pleasing environment.

A heartfelt thank you to Ed Nezelek, Bill Mellman, and Jann Mellman for recognizing these crucial needs at The Bread of Life, for rallying volunteers, and for coordinating this effort with such passion. We are also incredibly grateful to St. Philip's for generously providing paint, materials, and lunch, making this day possible. Thank you to each and every volunteer who participated in this St. Philip’s Day of Service – your dedication and hard work will make a real difference in the lives of those who rely on The Bread of Life.

Sergio Fernandez, Executive Director of Bread of Life, responded:

Dear St. Philip’s Volunteers,

I am still in awe of the dedication and generosity you showed on Saturday. In all the years I’ve worked with nonprofits, I have never seen a volunteer effort of such magnitude. What you accomplished for Bread of Life is truly exceptional, and words cannot fully express how thankful I am. Your hard work and generosity mean the world, not only to our guests, who rely on us for comfort and support, but also to me personally.



The impact of your kindness and effort is something I deeply value, and it will not be taken lightly. Because of your work, we’ll now be able to serve our guests more efficiently and with a welcoming space that reflects the respect and dignity they deserve. We’ll be letting our guests know that all the updates and improvements were made with their comfort in mind—because we want them to feel valued, respected, and truly part of this community that cares for their well-being.

Your selflessness and the unity of St. Philip’s in coming together with a single goal in mind—serving those who need it most—is exactly why I am so passionate about working in nonprofit organizations. It’s partnerships like this that make this work fulfilling, as we all pull in the same direction, striving to make a difference.

St. Philip’s Church has set a powerful example for our community, one that everyone can aspire to. Every member of the congregation should be immensely proud of what you’ve done. I will be forever grateful for what you’ve contributed to Bread of Life, and I look forward to the day when I can repay this incredible generosity through our work.

With all my appreciation,

Sergio Fernandez

Executive Director