Hearts to Serve

On March 23rd, 2020, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles launched the Hearts to Serve hotline in response to the global crisis caused by the Coronavirus.

Through selfless acts of kindness and mercy, Hearts to Serve embodies the OneLife LA message of the Joy of Life. By embracing the gift of life every single day, we can learn to spread joy through small acts of mercy. Whether it is donating food pantry items to a local food pantry or checking in our senior friends in need; together we can create a positive change by spreading joy. If the Joy of Life speaks loudly within us, we can become a beacon of hope and light to those in need.

The Hearts to Serve hotline is a witness of hope during these unprecedented times. Many of our friends in need have called the hotline hopeless and anxious who simply needed someone to talk to. Our hotline operators not only provided information to local resources, but also prayed with them and offered a listening ear. Our Hearts to Serve operators have expressed their gratitude to be a part of this ministry by offering hope and comfort to those in need.

In partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus, assistance was provided to the most vulnerable members in our communities of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. The hotline provides a place for individuals throughout the three counties to call and request assistance with resources such as locating a local food pantry, having basic grocery items delivered to homebound seniors, referrals to the Cardinal McIntyre fund for financial assistance, housing referrals, and various other needs. The Hearts to Serve hotline has been able to serve over 1,800 individuals and families and directly assist over 900 individuals and families.

By partnering with various community partners such as Claris Health, Hearts to Serve has been able to assist moms in need with essential items such as diapers, formula, and baby clothing. Providence Health & Services of San Fernando and San Pedro have provided aid with those in need of mental health resources. Providence Health & Services have also assisted individuals by enrolling them for health insurance and CalFresh. Through the wonderful work of our community partners, the OneLife LA movement has been a catalyst of service throughout the year.

Hearts to Serve volunteers have participated in numerous ways such as running the hotline, delivering groceries and special items to homebound seniors, and packing and distributing food items through their local parishes and food banks. We are thankful for our volunteer’s time and service to directly deliver food items and special items to over 200 seniors in need.