ORANGE, Calif. — Members of the Church here have joined forces with a local 95-year-old Irish Catholic woman to help feed some 15,000 homeless persons a year, at what is known in Orange County as "Mary's Kitchen."
Volunteering time and resources to a local civic organization called "Orange Cares," Latter-day Saints work side-by-side with those of other faiths to carry out community service projects motivated by Mary McAnena's individual effort to serve the needy. Under the umbrella of this organization is "Mary's Kitchen," a house trailer on city property where the elderly woman — who is still physically active and mentally sharp — directs local volunteers in providing the homeless with hot food, haircuts, showers and clothing.
The Bishops Storehouse in nearby Fountain Valley provides food and other supplies, and members of the Orange California Stake help weekly at the facility.
Speaking of members' part in operating "Mary's Kitchen," Pres. Steve D. Hanson of Orange California Stake said, "This kind of service immerses Latter-day Saints in His image and fulfills the covenant we made with Him to serve one another."
Also speaking of the blessings this service has brought, David Parker, high councilor over community affairs, explained: "Mary is a great role model to the people of this stake.
"It is good for us to realize that there are many Christlike role models we may emulate and pattern our lives after who are not of our faith. The members of the stake are learning that their discipleship goes beyond the boundaries of their callings within the stake. We are myopic when we serve only those we know, those we are assigned to. The Lord's mission was to the world."
The idea for "Mary's Kitchen" actually began some years ago when Mrs. McAnena saw a woman and her two children lying on a torn blanket on cold, wet grass in a park near her home. She took the little family home to feed them, and then started taking chicken vegetable soup to the park to feed others who were homeless.
Hundreds began to gather at the park. Soon, city officials took up her charitable cause and organized "Orange Cares." Then-stake Pres. Stuart Waldrip and Brother Parker were invited to serve on the organization's committee. Pres. Waldrip, an attorney, drew up the articles of incorporation.
"There was some apprehension among the other church leaders when we came aboard," Brother Parker recalled, "but as they witnessed our sincere and dedicated efforts, they came to respect us."
Serving as stake directors of public affairs at the time were Dick and Connie Pugsley, who were assigned by Pres. Waldrip to see that the kitchen's needs were met. Other local churches and businesses also provide volunteers and supplies.
Today, the current stake director of public affairs, Earl Garr, directs the efforts, and his son, Brandon, is responsible to see that monthly deliveries are made.
Stake leaders recently had Mrs. McAnena speak to bishoprics concerning helping the homeless.
During the meeting, she was presented with a mounted copy of the "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," written by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Brother Garr explained that the woman known as "Orange County's Mother Teresa" has received many gifts and recognitions for her service, but she puts them under her bed.
"The Proclamation is the only recognition she has hanging on her kitchen wall."
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