Secrets of the Dorothy Day Center

From the beginning, the sacred nature of the mission to feed the hungry has never been in doubt. Here are some little known facts about the ministry:

When the 2,000-square foot structure was built, significant spiritual items were incorporated into its construction:
Holy cards of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope John Paul, and others were placed behind the inside and outside walls during construction.
Three religious medals are buried in the concrete floor--one of the Virgin Mary, Mother Teresa, and St. Francis of Assisi.
Holy water was mixed into the concrete when the foundation was poured and the flooring was blessed in a dedication ceremony.

The Dorothy Day Center has a computer, paid for by a grant, to track the daily temperatures of the walk-in freezer, refrigerator, and the building.

There is no plaque with donor names, only a framed piece of paper with signatures of those who donated construction labor.

The building was built and paid for by private donations in one year. It cost $107,000.

Each month, the Regional Food Bank delivers about 12,000 lbs. of food. With money donations, volunteer buyers can acquire fresh items like milk, butter, eggs, meat, and cheese.

The Dorothy Day Center is an all-volunteer operation. Most do their jobs without others knowing who does them.

A traveling crucifix and a diary passes among the volunteers. Made by an Oklahoma City firefighter, the cross travels with the book for each person to record their thoughts.

48,000 people have received food assistance since the ministry began in 2005.

Though we are based in the Catholic Church, people of all faiths volunteer and receive.

The Holy Spirit has called more than 100 helpers in surprising and unusual ways. More volunteers and donations are always needed. For information and volunteer opportunities, visit the website www.thedorothydaycenter.com

"Jesus Christ, though he was rich, for your sake became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9