On March 20th, several intrepid Cub Scouts from Pack 466 and many inspired Brownies from Troop 2936 gathered around portable tables in the Kennedy Room to create a feast of ham and cheese sandwiches for Martha’s Table, located on 14th Street in the District.

Martha’s Table’s mission is to help at-risk children, youth, families and individuals in our community improve their lives by providing educational programs, food, and clothing and enrichment opportunities. Last year among many of its outreach programs, Martha’s Table provided over 600,000 meals, serving 365 days per year.
Several local parishes, schools, youth groups and others take turns providing the food for many of the meals at Martha’s Table. Parishioner, Marge Gillis coordinates St. John’s collection of sandwiches and fruit on the third Sunday of each month. Volunteers load the sandwiches into large coolers and deliver the fresh food to Martha’s Table in the early afternoon. Several years ago, Marge asked the scouts to consider choosing a month tohost the donation of sandwiches and fruit. Thus, the ham and cheese tradition was begun.
Parents and Grandparents hovered, offered advice and helped open sandwich bags while the boys and girls did their corporal work of mercy right after the 9 am Mass.
When asked to identify his favorite part of sandwich making, James Hathway shared, “I like squeezing the mustard.” One of the attentive parents on hand, Gregg James, quickly added, “Remember to make a sandwich you would want to eat.” Sh…don’t tell. Secretly imbedded in the tasty morsels were mustard smiley faces with pickles for eyes.
Like James, Aiden Mockeridge preferredputting on the mustard. For Sam Peterson, the best was putting on the cheese and ham. Allison Mullholland, mother of Brigid (a Brownie Scout), observed, “I don’t think I have seen a bunch of more enthusiastic sandwich makers.”
As the sandwich makers neared the end of their bread supply, Allison Mullholland shared her home- proven trick, “Just turn the heels around and make a sandwich with them.” Viola!
Each year, on the third Sunday in March, Cub Scout parents buy sandwich-making supplies early in the morning and set up their assembly line in front of the coolers in the Kennedy Room. Interested onlookers often ask to help. On March 2oth, in addition to the fresh sandwiches produced on the spot, several loads of fruit and sandwiches were delivered by generous parishioners throughout the morning. This year, all of the coolers were filled and extra coolers were needed for the journey to Martha’s Table. Nearly 300 sandwiches were made that day.