On Wednesday, March 15, 2018, St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters and Macy’s held its annual "St. Patrick's Day Luncheon." Our guests from Encore Community Senior Center in Midtown Manhattan were treated to traditional Irish fare and a welcoming atmosphere of fellowship.

The menu of corned beef with mustard (or turkey with gravy), cabbage and boiled potatoes was enjoyed, followed by a dessert of green-iced cupcakes. 800 meals were also boxed up and provided for the Encore's homebound members who were unable to attend the event. The event even featured an honorary Leprechaun, who walked around the party with a "pot of gold" and handed out bundles of gold (chocolate) coins to everyone.

Macy’s Tara Troy and Christine Grasser sent two shifts of volunteers to not only help serve this meal to the seniors in attendance, but to sit down to dine and converse with them. This kind of community and togetherness was greatly appreciated by everyone who was in attendance.

Thank you to the Encore Community Services Team for their help in coordinating this festive effort…and to everyone at Macy's who made this party possible.

Macy's brought two groups of volunteers.	One group for the early session and the second for later in the afternoon.
A classic Irish meal was served.	Corned beef, cabbage, potato, mini Irish soda bread, greens, ice cream and a lucky cookie to take home.
For the homebound, meals were prepared, bagged...	...and food trays stocked and flash-frozen before delivery!
The room was packed for both lunches.	When you are going to a party, people like to be festive.