Sarnelli House is a residence for volunteers in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. Each year, about 7 people from around the nation and from other countries live at Sarnelli House. While they live at Sarnelli House, they perform 20 hours of service in the community each week. In addition, they also participate in the House's two ministries each week. One of the ministries takes place each Tuesday. They invite needy people in the community to have lunch and to take a shower. They spend time with the people while they are waiting to take a shower.
On Thursday nights, Sarnelli House invites needy people in the community to Community Supper. They invite everyone into their house as guests to share a meal. It is a place where they can come to share a home-cooked meal as a family. This is where I go to volunteer. I have been helping at Sarnelli House since junior year, and it is one of my favorite things to do at La Salle. I like to volunteer my time and help people out because I do not like to see people having a hard time. When I do see people in need, I like to help them out.
We arrive at Sarnelli House around 5:30-6:00pm. We arrange and set the tables, make juice, help prepare the food, and take care of other odds and ends. Around 6:30, the doors open up and the guests come in. They take their seats and wait for everyone to arrive. When everyone is ready, we begin with a prayer. Someone reads a Bible passage, and a Sarnelli House volunteer talks about the significance of the passage for a few moments. Then we ask for reflections, prayers, or intentions from anyone who has them. Finally, we say a prayer.
After the prayer, we serve salad and sometimes bread. Then, we call the guests by table to be served food. Occasionally, we will serve the guests at their tables. During and after the meal, we sit and talk with the people who come in. Sarnelli House is not like a soup kitchen that you might see on television. Sarnelli House is a family. The guests who come each week are our friends, and they look out for each other too. There is a warm and welcome atmosphere, and anybody can feel at home when they are at Sarnelli House.
When the guests leave, we begin to clean up after the meal. When we are done cleaning, we sit down and talk and eat supper ourselves. This is is a great place to relax and have a good time with friends. I always enjoy going to Sarnelli House, and I am glad that I am able to help out anybody in need and be a friend to them.
Please click here to visit a photo gallery of our work at Sarnelli House.