FULLERTON : Pair’s Meal Ministry Delivers Hope

For John Bays and Debbie Tetro, Monday is special because it is the one day when they can count on a hot dinner.

The friends, who are homeless, are beneficiaries of a meal program created two years ago by a couple whose mission is to feed the hungry.

“It’s a big occasion to come here,” said Tetro, 45. “It’s just like Christmas, and knowing that someone cares enough to feed us makes me feel not as much of a loser and not that hopeless.”

Paula and Norm Todd founded Hot Meal Ministry, a coalition of five Fullerton churches that provides free dinners to about 150 people each week at Orangethorpe Christian Church, 2200 W. Orangethorpe Ave., and recently served its 10,000th meal.

Orangethorpe’s pastor, the Rev. Gayle Schoepf, said the ministry owes much of its remarkable success to the founders.

The Todds “are concerned not only about social action but peace and justice, and they care for people,” she said.

Along with the dinners, served in the church’s dining hall, the couple offer baby food, diapers, clothing and toiletries to those who need them. About 40% of the people who come for dinner each week are children.

The Todds said they became passionate about feeding the hungry, especially the toddlers, after witnessing a heart-wrenching incident three years ago at a soup kitchen where they were volunteers.

A mother came to the kitchen and fed her baby a hot dog that she chewed before placing the pieces in the infant’s mouth. She had no money for baby food, and none was available for free.

“You don’t think of babies being among the poor and the homeless,” said Paula Todd, 55, who makes sure that Hot Meal Ministry has plenty of baby food on hand.

“There are so many hungry children and adults who are just like you and me but just happen to be down on their luck,” she said. “It’s extremely sad to see people hungry and hurting. So, as long as there is a need, we’ll be here.”

Norm Todd, 56, said, “It tears your heart to see people suffer. . . . We get a lot of satisfaction out of helping. I think there is something inherently good about helping people. It’s correct.”

The Fullerton grandparents are no strangers to charitable work. For years, they have volunteered at homeless shelters and through community organizations. They also donate time for tutoring schoolchildren and organizing events at their church.

“Norm and Paula are the most hard-working, conscientious, kind, giving and tireless people I know,” said Bays, 51, who has been out of work for three years. “If they had the opportunity, I’m sure they would take care of the entire Orange County. Their devotion comes from the heart.”