By Ricardo Quintero, PhD –
(Los Angeles, California) – As the weather turns cooler, the kitchen at the Don Bosco Mission Center of Boyle Heights has been warming up with service and generosity.
On September 27, 2025, a large group of Works of Mercy volunteers arrived early to prepare burritos for distribution to unhoused neighbors across the street at Hollenbeck Park and on Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles.
In addition to the Burrito Project, young men from Salesian High School and Loyola High School joined in to sort donations for our clothing and home resource charity shop. Their energy and teamwork were invaluable in moving items into the shop and ensuring resources are available for those most in need in our community. For two hours, they all worked together and then shared burritos with fellow volunteers at the close of their shift. One of the young men even asked if their group could rotate with the ADMA Y youth for the next Burrito Day—an offer warmly welcomed. Special thanks to Robert Ramirez, a teacher at Salesian High School, who assembled the ten volunteers from Salesian High.
Alongside the high school students, a wide circle of faithful volunteers made the day meaningful. The ever-dedicated ADMA Y group from St. Dominic Savio was present, as were Salesian Cooperators from St. Joseph’s Youth Retreat Center, St. Mary’s Church, and St. Dominic Savio Church. Elva Quintero led her family team of six, and Debbie Cruz from St. Paul the Apostle Church also joined. In all, nearly 30 committed volunteers came together as Team One to serve the Lord in action.
Team Two may have been smaller, just five people, but they brought seasoned experience and a deep knowledge of where to engage most effectively with those in need, both locally and on Skid Row.
These growing ministries are a source of inspiration—building spirit, strength, and fellowship. It is especially moving to see youth and seasoned volunteers working side by side, united in a common mission: to live the Gospel with joy and compassion in the midst of today’s challenges.
