The Order of Malta’s New York City partnered with the Westchester Area and the Sisters of Life to give baby clothing to mothers in need.

Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, the Sisters of Life run their Mommy Storeroom at St. Philip Neri Church in the Bronx. There, mothers and mothers-to-be wait outside the Church, in a line that often runs down the block, to get essentials their families need. Not just baby or toddler clothing, but diapers, soaps, wipes, and more. 

Michael Smilek, KM had started volunteering at the Mommy Storeroom in June and thought it would be a meaningful service opportunity for NYC Members. He drove the NYC Area Mobile Ministry van and a group of volunteers up to the Storeroom. 

As soon as the Sisters welcomed in the mothers, they began to request the items they needed, often with the help of a translator. Volunteers learned the Storeroom system well and worked diligently to package requests correctly and quickly. By the time the volunteers had finished their shift, they had reduced the line of mothers to just outside the Church doors. 

It was a warm experience to help so many families get the essentials they needed. The ride back in the Mobile Ministry Van gave volunteers a rest from their hard work. Back in Manhattan, they enjoyed food and fellowship at a local restaurant, reminiscing on all the joy they experienced volunteering. Although the Mommy Storeroom will pause operations for August, volunteers are eager to return in September and make a visible difference in the lives of so many mothers and children in need.