Each Tuesday, a group of volunteers–including deacons Gary and Marcee Smith–come to Lakeside Presbyterian to put together despensas for poor families and individuals in San Antonio Tlayacapan, Riberas del Pilar, Chapala, Mezcala and San Juan Tecomatlan.

The despensas include food staples like rice, beans, and oil, as well as other necessities like toilet paper, toothbrushes and toothpaste. The value of each despensa averages just a little more than $200 pesos–about $10 US dollars.

After the despensas are put together, they are delivered with love. Spanish-speaking volunteers have conversations with each family–and always offer prayers when they drop off a despensa.