A qualified nutritionist, Jenny is one of the volunteer co-ordinators for Mother Maria of Paris mission, the charity arm of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Belmore.
Together with Kalle Englezos, they spend every Wednesday cooking meals for the Riverwood Community Centre Youth Drop-In, Belmore Youth Resource Centre and Barnardos.
Also on Jenny’s to-do list is packaging shelf stable products into care hampers which are delivered to over 100 families via volunteers.
These packages comprise foods such as long life milk, cereals, pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes, biscuits, snacks, oils, nappies, hygiene products and more.
“We’re happy to cook for anyone in need of a warm meal,” Jenny said.
“I have a young single mum with five children, who picks up food and groceries every week, and an older woman who takes food to her husband in a nursing home.
“There is no better feeling than giving to someone who is in need, and knowing that you are bringing them some joy and relief. It is a truly humbling experience.”
Donations of shelf stable products are always needed, Jenny says, and can be left on a Wednesday morning in the church hall, corner of Cecilia and Isabel streets, Belmore.
If you have donations for collection or need help, call the Mother Maria office on 0451 936 868.
Mission volunteers cook up ways to support youth groups, families
MOST people could not think of anything worse than having to cook dozens of meals for strangers on their day off work but Jenny Hantzopoulos wouldn’t have it any other way.