Monthly Burrito Service-Nourishment with Love: Beaverton, OR
Swami reminds us that “Hands that serve are holier than lips that pray.” Guided by this timeless teaching, members of the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of Beaverton, OR, have been joyfully engaged in regularly preparing and delivering fresh, homemade burritos to those in need.
For almost five years, on the second Saturday of every month, members have gathered at a volunteer’s home to prepare around 60 burritos. These nourishing meals are then delivered to the West Women’s and Children’s Shelter in downtown Portland, which provides safety and support for women and children affected by domestic violence.
The preparation is truly a community effort. Different ingredients are lovingly brought by different members—around 11 items in total, such as flour tortillas, cooked rice, vegetable fillings, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, bananas, seasonal fruits, and wrapping foil. With care and teamwork, volunteers assemble both vegan and vegetarian burritos, ensuring there is variety and choice for the shelter residents. Each burrito is made not only with nutritious ingredients but also with love and prayers for the well-being of its recipient.
One of the participating volunteers shared his inspiration:
“Swami has taught us that the act of serving food to those in need with love and compassion is one of the highest forms of service. I see this burrito service activity as a way of connecting with Swami and doing His will. The care, attention, and love with which the participants work together to assemble the burritos brings me a lot of joy and satisfaction.”
Through this ongoing service, members of the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Beaverton experience the joy of giving and the power of collective action. Month after month, and year after year, the burrito project continues to serve as a reminder that simple acts of love, when offered in the spirit of selflessness, can provide both nourishment and comfort to those who need it most.