Originally published at Orange County Catholic
THE FOOD PANTRY OF St. Cecilia parish in Tustin has been helping those in need for over 40 years. Led by long-time parishioner Pete Ruiz and staffed by many volunteers of all ages, the pantry serves some 225 families every Friday afternoon.
FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEERS BAG FRESH VEGETABLES DURING DISTRIBUTION DAY AY ST. CECILIA PARISH. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Ruiz has been a parishioner at St. Cecilia since 1976 and has directed the Christian Services ministry for approximately 45 years. This ministry assists those in need with housing and basic living needs, in addition to the food distribution program.
PETER RUIZ, CENTER, LEADS THE VOLUNTEERS IN A PRAYER FOR THE FIRE VICTIMS IN LOS ANGELES ON JAN. 10 BEFORE STARTING THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION AT ST. CECILIA PARISH IN TUSTIN.
Ruiz inherited this desire to help others from his father. When he became a parishioner at St. Cecilia, he noticed that there was no food distribution ministry. So, he went to St. Ann parish in Santa Ana and volunteered there. He was particularly impressed by a senior who ran the program and did so many great works of service.
One day after assisting at St. Ann, Ruiz
