Sharing their blessings

Starting at 6 a.m. each second Saturday of the month, Qoheleth Ministries founder Orlando Sanchez is busy orchestrating dozens of volunteers as they turn the parking lot of Newport Mesa Church on Fair Drive into a one-stop shopping center for needy local families.

There are palettes of groceries to be unloaded and sorted into brown paper bags and racks of donated clothing to be set out. Sanchez darts from volunteer to volunteer, instructing each one of them on what needs to be done.

“This is my life,” Sanchez said. “It’s an honor for me to do this. We try to bless people with the best of us.”

Sanchez started the Qoheleth in 1988, taking to the streets of Costa Mesa to talk to people about the Bible nothing more with a loaf of bread, and a few cups of coffee.

The name Qoheleth is a Hebrew word that means preacher or “one who spreads the news.”

Today, Qoheleth serves anywhere from 400 to 600 families a month, handing out everything from bags of groceries and clothing, to free haircuts and massages. Volunteers and donations from as many as 25 Orange County churches keep the program going. Sanchez estimates he hands out anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 pounds of food each month.

With free popcorn and doughnuts for visitors and a praise band playing Christian tunes, the parking lot takes on a carnival-like atmosphere.

“People need something for their stomachs, but they also need something for their soul,” Sanchez said.

The fun environment puts people who might be embarrassed to ask for help at ease, he said.

Sanchez’s wife and two daughters work the concession stand and greet newcomers. His sister makes homemade tortillas.

Qoheleth has seen a growing demand for it services in the past year and a half because of the economic downturn, volunteers said.

“You see people who use to be middle class, they’re driving nice cars, but need help feeding their families,” said Qoheleth volunteer Dale Wilson, who has been helping with the monthly food distribution program for the past six years. Wilson also brings his wife and two teenage daughters each month to help out.

“Times are really tight right now; it’s hard to make ends meet,” said Phillip Villareal, who lined up on Saturday to get a few bags of groceries and baked goods.

With a monthly social security check as his only income, Villareal has a hard time paying for necessities like bread and milk, he said.

His sister, Theresa Granados, also has been coming Qoheleth’s monthly program for groceries.

“They seem to really care about us and are very kind,” Granados said. “I think it’s a wonderful thing.”

How To Help

Tax-deductible monetary contributions can be mailed to:

Qoheleth Ministries

2599 Newport Blvd.

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

The ministry also accepts donations canned food, furniture, clothing and appliances, toys and electronics. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, visit www.qohelethministries.com.