Stay Inside Or Lend A Hand? How 1 OKC Organization Fights Extreme Heat And Serves Community

When temperatures near triple digits, most people try to stay inside. One Oklahoma City organization, however, said that’s exactly when they're needed most.

Each Wednesday at noon, the parking lot of Crossbridge Church on Southwest Walker Street is full.

It’s not full of cars, but tables, tents, chairs and people hoping for help.

Once a month, this is where Lupe Hernandez parks his food truck, Barrio’s Caravan. He prepares meals to serve those experiencing homelessness.

“I figured I’d just give back to people,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez found success with his restaurant, Primos Café, but here he won’t make a dime.

“It started around the beginning of the year,” he explained. “When I said let’s do something different than just owning my own restaurant.”

Last month he served more than 200 taco meals in one hour, but those lining up come for more than food.

Picnic tables are lined with donated clothes, shoes, toiletries and essentials. It’s all through an organization called Ice Angels.

“We just hope to give a little hope,” Mary Kaplan said.

Mary and her husband Lenny started Ice Angels 14 years ago in the heat of the summer on a trip home from church. They noticed the people on the sidewalks and hoped to help.

“We started handing out water,” Lenny said. “Then people, started saying we’re hungry so then we started doing sandwiches and water. It eventually just started growing.”

Ice Angels is a part of Mosaic United Methodist Church and partners with other churches and volunteers to collect donations.

Mary and Lenny said they’re out every Wednesday - even when it’s difficult. For Lenny, it certainly has been difficult.

“Had cancer eight times, 14 back surgeries, four neck surgeries, a few brain surgeries,” he said. “Somebody wants me here.”

Lenny said the faces of those he serves help bring him back each week.

Those faces are the reason Mary hopes another will carry the mantle when they are no longer able.

“I’m just hoping that someone will be able to step up and continue,” she said.

To learn more about donations and volunteer opportunities, click here.