Serving with Heart: UPAA‑W Kicks Off 2026 Feed the Hungry

On Sunday, April 12, 2026, UPAA‑W members came together for our first Feed the Hungry (FTH) activity of the year at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in downtown Milwaukee. It was a meaningful afternoon of service as we shared meals and fellowship with about 80 guests from the community.

Our volunteers served ham and peanut butter sandwiches, chips, granola bars, snack cakes, chocolate chip cookies, coffee, and milk. In addition, UPAA‑W donated two boxes of bananas, and Trina and Eli Bando generously provided brown paper lunch bags to help with meal distribution.

We are deeply grateful to Becky and Oscar Toledo, Trina and Eli Bando, Jojo and Gerry Ramos, William, Beaver Flores, Max, Kathy Carr (of Global Inspirations), and Ito for volunteering their time and energy to make this event successful. Special thanks as well to the Philippine Cultural & Civic Center Foundation (PCCCF), through its officers Dr. Max and Letty Cueto and Dr. Alice Suaverdez, for distributing brand‑new Harley hoodies and shirts to all our guests—an unexpected and very much appreciated gift.

We also extend our congratulations to Kate Shay, who was recently appointed Director of the Open-Door Café at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist. Thank you, Kate, for continuing to welcome UPAA‑W and for allowing us to serve your community for the past 16 years. Goodluck to former Director Idalia Nieves-Reyes. It was indeed a pleasure to work with Idalia.

As many of our guests shared with us that day, “We appreciate you guys for being here today.” Those simple words continue to inspire us and remind us why this work matters.

Our next Feed the Hungry activities are scheduled for:

• August 16, 2026 – serve only
• October 25, 2026 – cook Filipino food (adobo) and serve along with pancit

We look forward to serving again and continuing this tradition of compassion and community.