A dedicated waitress in Florida has made an incredible impact by providing over 270,000 meals to those experiencing homelessness, all with the support of her husband and two spirited sons, who embody their Christian values.
Meet Gloria Vargas, an immigrant from Barbados who has been running this remarkable initiative from her home in Fort Lauderdale since 2012. Gloria’s journey began modestly, as she recalled, “I started with buying a little bit of spaghetti and ground beef, and I started with 40 meals.” With each passing week, her efforts grew, and soon she was serving 200 meals every weekend.
Despite living on a waitress’s salary, Gloria has managed to gather enough resources to purchase large quantities of chicken, fish, fresh produce, rice, bread, and bottled water, allowing her to nourish between 175 to 200 individuals each time.
Her two sons contribute by writing uplifting messages, such as “God loves you” or an inspiring scripture, on the Styrofoam lids of the meals. They also take the time to connect with those in need, listening to their stories and providing comfort.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many organizations were scaling back, Vargas expanded her efforts even further. She began serving up to 600 meals, reaching communities in both Fort Lauderdale and Miami. “When it’s cold, when it’s windy, when it’s raining, it doesn’t matter. We have to show up,” Gloria expressed passionately in a past interview.
With a generous grant from the Byers Foundation, she was able to establish a nonprofit organization called Care in Action USA, which now operates daily. Gloria prepares around 120 breakfasts and 125 dinners, distributing them to eager recipients in less than 40 minutes.
But Care in Action USA goes beyond just meal preparation. The family also assists individuals with rent, utility bills, hotel accommodations, bus passes, and clothing. Gloria’s husband, Antonio, a certified auto mechanic, generously volunteers his time to repair cars for those in need and drives individuals to job interviews and appointments. “My husband can make so much more money doing the job he does, but he chooses to help the homeless,” Gloria shared.
Thanks to the kindness of donors and volunteers, the couple has even opened a transitional home that currently shelters eight men, who can pay between $300 and $400 in rent as long as they meet employment criteria.
People are not only nourished by Gloria’s meals but are also inspired by her story, her family’s compassion, and their embodiment of love. “With the help of friends, volunteers, religious leaders, and organizations who partner with us in caring for the needy, we’re making a difference one person at a time,” Gloria stated, highlighting the power of community.
If you feel inspired by Gloria’s incredible work, consider supporting her mission at Care in Action USA through their website. Together, we can multiply the good by sharing her uplifting story on social media!
