Community Heroes: The Sandwich People Bring Lunches and Comfort to the Homeless

Kathy Pockett and her husband Gary were helping at local homeless ministries prior to Covid. When Covid hit, things started to shut down, and so did most of the ministries where they helped out.

Kathy thought maybe she could start delivering lunches on her own. In the meantime, she started delivering for GrubHub, and with the proceeds, she was able to start funding her lunch deliveries to the homeless, with Gary’s help, and their friend Iftekhar.

Iftekhar has a story of his own and had come to the US from Bangladesh, seeking asylum for being a Christian. Iftekhar had spent some time homeless while in the US. It was during this time that the Pocketts met Iftekhar and formed a friendship. Iftekhar was instrumental in helping the Pocketts to understand the needs of the homeless. The Pocketts were able to help provide housing for Iftekhar and from then on, they began finding local homeless, to whom they could give lunches.

Kathy, Gary and Iftekhar started production from their dining room table at home, preparing up to 30-40 lunch bags at a time and driving them around to bridges and where homeless people could be found.

During the course of hand delivering lunches, the homeless friends who recognized them would declare, “the Sandwich People are here!” The name was given to them and it stuck from then on. Their ministry became formally known as “Sandwich People”.

Through some trial and error, they learned what was needed in the lunch bags and a better understanding of foods that made sense, with a combination of nutrition and tasty. They would drive around and pass out lunches in tent cities. They found people tucked away out in the open, off the freeway. As Kathy calls it, “finding friends where they are.”

The Pocketts would drive through neighborhoods, looking for those who could use help. They also passed out lunches to children before schools began giving extra meals.

At their church Gloria Dei Lutheran in Hudson, parishioners started to notice. They asked Kathy what they were doing. They were moved to help them more intentionally, and a larger scope of hands-on assistance began to evolve.

The church stepped in to help with the ministry’s operations, such as offering space to store supplies and giving financial donations. Church groups started arriving to pack bags and help the ministry. The youth group gave pastries and goods from their own fundraiser programs, any items leftover to Sandwich People.

Another church group started to sponsor an annual event called the “Toasty Tree collection” during winter months. They collect hats, gloves, socks and scarves. Other items like sleeping bags, tents and coats would show up under the tree.

Sandwich People also started essential bags of the necessary items and toiletries that the homeless need.

Lunch Bag packing began taking place at the church with lots of volunteers. Once a month, volunteers meet at the church and set everything in an assembly line.  They pack lunches and essential bags. On average, they pack about 150 lunches and 75 essential bags per month.

Sandwiches are made fresh and put in prepared bags just before distribution. The bags are prepared with inspirational notes and decorations on each bag. Sometimes, the Gloria Dei preschool will decorate the bags!

Expansion continued. When Sandwich People started receiving donations, they were able to purchase a trailer to serve hot lunches in the area. They found a parking lot at a neighboring church. They set up a station for serving hot lunch on Saturdays in the summers. This summer will be their 4th summer doing the hot lunches!

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Another church caught wind of the hot lunch service, and asked if they would also do a hot lunch at their church. These churches they serve hot lunches at are churches that knew of Sandwich People and welcomed them to set up a hot lunch trailer in their parking lots. These acts of volunteerism and generosity have allowed Sandwich People to pack lunch bags once a month and serve hot lunches twice a month, once at each church.

Changing Perspectives

A lightbulb “aha” moment for Kathy was when she realized that these people that she previously avoided are people. Sandwich People Ministries has changed their perspective for those in need. Kathy says that she has become less judgmental toward the homeless and those in need. She says, “There is no need to justify that you need a lunch, or an essentials bag.” These are real people with real needs.

The Pocketts enjoy talking with the homeless and getting to know them. At tent cities, they bring batteries and dog food, underwear, socks. The Pocketts try to deliver good quality items, and are so thankful to their church for their incredible generosity. Kathy is able to list in the bulletin what they need for food and essential items.

Through their work, lots of church groups and individuals have been moved to help. At the Gloria Dei Annual Women’s Group dinner this past year, they invited Kathy and the Sandwich People Ministries to be the guest speaker. Dinner attendees were asked to bring flashlights and batteries. The Pocketts received 200 flashlights and packages of batteries. “The generosity has been overwhelming,” Kathy says.

Through the ongoing generosity of the church, they have been able to pass out all sorts of excellent essentials. Other acts of generosity have shown up in different places too. The man who sold the hot lunch trailer to them was moved to help and give financially of his own accord.

Sandwich People appreciate that their ministry is more visible nowadays.  For instance, area luncheons that have leftover food reach out to Sandwich People to ask if they can use it. They are helping to cut down on food waste where they can and they are grateful for that.

At Kathy’s high school reunion, there were huge trays of lasagne leftover and they gave them to Kathy to serve at their hot lunch.

In a very meaningful way, Kathy, Gary and Iftekhar are finding friends where they are, bringing bag lunches and essentials and making a difference in their lives.

The responses they receive for delivering food and essentials is beautiful. Kathy says when they are serving lunches, they are greeted with, “God bless you.” They have been told they like Sandwich People lunches best.

For frequently visiting locals, they announce “the Sandwich People are here”. Many recognize us and wait patiently to get extra items, like batteries, hats, gloves, flashlights, underwear, extra water and many other items we try to have available. They have been told they give the best quality of batteries that last longer. Some have said how glad they are to see them and ask how they are doing.

How can you help in your own community?

Kathy has given some advice from what she has learned over the years of helping out. For those who want to help, she says “put your boots on the ground and just do it.”

It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment. See what the needs are, be aware, look around and get involved. Be in touch with the churches in the area, to see what they are doing.

‍Donations to Sandwich People can be given through the church, here at this link.

There are countless ways to make a difference in your own community, and Kathy’s story is a beautiful example of how simple acts of kindness can have a profound impact. By packing sandwiches for those in need, she not only helped those facing hardship but also inspired countless others to give back.

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