Hot meals and Heartfelt Service at Mount Holly Shelter: Cherry Hill, NJ
Every third Saturday, enthusiastic volunteers from the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Cherry Hill gather at the Mount Holly Shelter, NJ, to prepare and serve hot meals for those in need. From 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, the shelter buzzes with warmth, love, and laughter as Sai volunteers joyfully immerse themselves in this heartfelt service.
Mount Holly’s emergency shelter is operated by Extended Hand Ministries and can house up to 11 single men temporarily to allow individuals to seek employment, housing, and social services to improve their lives. On Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, shelter volunteers provide ‘family-style’ meals to the homeless community of Burlington County.
Typically, about 50-60 homeless individuals come seeking a hot, nutritious meal. However, at the center’s monthly service in June, “We served nearly 75 individuals. It was a clear sign of divine grace guiding our efforts,” said, a young adult volunteer.
The Center Service Coordinator captured the day's spirit perfectly: “Today, we had such a wonderful feeding service at the Mount Holly Shelter. With 15 dedicated volunteers joining hands and hearts, we felt Sai’s loving presence in every action. We are deeply thankful to Him for blessing us with this meaningful opportunity each month."
For Sai volunteers participating, every service reaffirms a simple truth—that the act of serving food does not just nourish others but also enriches their own hearts. The experience leaves everyone feeling profoundly grateful, more connected, and eager to return. Through these regular acts of kindness and compassion, the Sai Center of Cherry Hill continuously spreads Sai’s teaching: "Love All, Serve All."