This weekend, we were fortunate enough to volunteer at a local soup kitchen. Both of us and our son spent 3 hours between setting up food and cleaning up afterward, and most importantly, helping over 80 individuals and families in need of a meal. Oh, did we mention it was nearly 100 degrees? So, for those who needed a break from the day and some substance in their bellies, the doors opened and the people came. This is our account of a soup kitchen near us, but if you’re not in the area, I’m betting there’s one near you too. And they can always use the help.
The kitchen is on the grounds of St. John’s Episcopal Church (on the corner of Airy and Church Streets in Norristown, PA). Cecil & Grace Bean’s Soup Kitchen has been open for over 30 years and serves 600 meals each week.
Have you ever visited a soup kitchen? We talk a lot about volunteering and helping to better yourself and those around you, so this was a great and new opportunity for us. What’s really amazing is that each week a different church steps in and provides volunteers to help serve those in need. We went as part of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. For us, we’d been looking for another altruistic project, and we’d said for years that we’d like to help with feeding the homeless. So when the opportunity popped up, we said yes.
Here’s What We Experienced
We arrived at 12 to help set up. There were already people warming donated casseroles, veggies, salads, and rolls. We met the organizer from the church, and we met our fellow volunteers. Then we got to work.
Gloves on, and we were assigned the task of cookie prep. Note that working with cookies is a passion of ours. It was similar except we didn’t actually eat the cookies.
You couldn’t have counted all the donated cookies (mostly homemade). Our job was to take small disposable plates and mix & match 3 cookies onto each plate. Cookies ranged from the following:
- Chocolate chip
- Peanut butter
- Molasses
- Mint chocolate chip
- Caramel chocolate
- and even Brownies
Our youngest was with us and we quickly had over 110 plates of cookies ready to go. Since kids can’t be on the food line we worked in the dining room. I (Jon) and our son stayed with the cookies and Jeannie welcomed the diners. And other volunteers handled dishing out the food, providing salad dressing, and keeping the line moving. There was even a station providing Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches for another meal later, as well as water and tea to drink.
The air was nice and cool, and we got the opportunity to chat with the diners.
Oh, there’s one thing you should know. It’s a complete judgment free zone. If you come in, you are welcomed and you get fed. No questions asked. Most were homeless, but there are people who have homes and simply can’t afford food who come to soup kitchens.
We had the pleasure of speaking with people from a variety of cultures. Some were more talkative than others, but everyone was kind. One of the best gifts we were able to give was eye contact and a smile, as well as an ear to listen.
We talked with people who live in a nearby park. A gentleman carried his tent with him, which presumably is his home. But everyone got food (including a plate of cookies) and sat down to eat together in an air conditioned hall.
We actually plan to go back. Since several churches share volunteer duties, it’s only once every other month. But the kitchen serves food daily, and they can always use volunteers.
What are you waiting for? If you’ve never considered volunteering your time, this is a great opportunity.
We challenge you to find a local soup kitchen and simply find out how you can help. They might need food, supplies, cookies (very important), and many times they need people to help distribute the food.
Whatever you do, get involved and share some time for those less fortunate.
