Feeding the poor and less fortunate in Norwood is no easy task and for the last 12 years members of the Community of Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal have done that. This year the religious order once again joined volunteers in handing out holiday gift bags to 300 families.

The crowd gathered outside of Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent on Bainbridge Avenue, next door to the former Shrine Church of St. Ann’s, handing out bags containing everyday food items. They were also handed a second bag filled with a traditional holiday meal that was highlighted with a frozen ham.

According to Sister Mary Pieta, “I think people appreciate it and I think they experience God’s providence through this and other pantries as well. So the people on our line are grateful for the help.”

“There’s definitely a need,” Pieta continued, “I would say there’s probably been an increase in need, especially the last few years with the economy taking a bit of a downturn.”

The Franciscan Sisters host a food giveaway on a monthly basis. On Thanksgiving, the sisters held a massive Thanksgiving dinner last month, serving some 200 families turkey with all the trimmings.

For Christmas, two dozen volunteers from as far away as Georgia, Connecticut, Westchester County, and the Bronx were on hand to help, greeting residents, giving out food and singing Christmas carols.

The sisters will hold their next food giveaway on Jan. 14. Anyone wishing to receive or donate food or would like to volunteer are asked to visit the convent located at 3537 Bainbridge Avenue.