About The Loving Thing

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in ... ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" ―Matthew 25:35,40

The Loving Thing (formerly the Soup Hour) at Saint Matthias Episcopal Church has served the Whittier area continuously for over 30 years. Every afternoon from 3 PM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, rain or shine, volunteers at The Loving Thing serve nutritious sandwiches and fruit to anyone who arrives — no questions asked. All one need do to be fed is show up and conduct oneself properly, showing respect to others.

Over the course of the year, The Loving Thing serves hundreds of meals to our neighbors in need. In addition to meals, over 300 guests receive their mail at Saint Matthias, as well as hygiene kits and other small monetary needs as funds are available.

And who can measure the value of the human connection provided by The Loving Thing? Recently we received an answer to that question from a man at the office door. We asked how we could help him that day. “You already have,” he said, “by acknowledging my existence.” He didn’t feel invisible anymore. He wasn’t just a statistic.  

While we receive private monetary donations from fellow parishioners and friends, we depend extensively on donations of food and toiletries. Can by can, dollar by dollar, this essential effort happens through countless gifts.

The Saint Matthias Loving Thing is truly a community endeavor. Won’t you please join us?