“If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness...”
Isaiah 58:10

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Gang gathers each month to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters throughout our community. Our very first meeting was held on December 13, 2003, when we recognized a growing need to support organizations serving our neighbors who are hungry. What began as a simple response of love quickly grew—at one point, we were making 10,000 sandwiches a year. Today, we joyfully prepare about 2,400 sandwiches annually.

In addition to sandwiches, we assemble bags of snacks for children served by the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. Volunteers of all ages come together on the second Saturday of each month, filling the room with energy, laughter, and purpose. St. Mark’s parishioners generously donate the peanut butter, jelly, bread, and sandwich bags that make this ministry possible. One of the greatest blessings of the PBJ Gang is the joy we share when the work is done. We pray that every person who receives a sandwich also receives the love and dignity with which it was made. This ministry is a wonderful opportunity for families, sacramental preparation, school service hours, or anyone who simply wants to make a difference.

The PB&J Gang has seen firsthand how something as small as a sandwich can bring hope. We warmly invite you to join us—come spread the love!