By Glen Turner – Special to the Sydenham Current
What IS a ‘soup cellar’?
I just found out! 🙂
I had said in an earlier column that I was going to add one more volunteer gig to my 2016, and tried to encourage readers to do the same. Just add “one more.”
Well… I found one, in a ‘soup cellar.’
An acquaintance had told me about a free lunch program here in town, and suggested that I might like to help out. Last Monday I went to Knox Presbyterian Church, and frankly, I’m amazed! I went back again yesterday.
‘Cellar’ means their basement.
It started out two years ago. Michelle MacLean approached the church with the idea of a free lunch program: it was accepted, and the rest, as they say, is history.
They only had 20 or so people show up initially, but now, sometimes more than 100 people come, every Monday from 11:30 a.m. until after 1 p.m., and partake in the offerings of two kinds of homemade soup, two kinds of sandwiches, dessert, coffee, tea, juice and possibly the most important thing, fellowship. And, there are also lots and lots of donated baked goods that people can take home with them after a good hot lunch.
It takes a lot of people to run it, and lots of donations to maintain it – but Michelle told me about the businesses that donate, the individuals who donate – local farmers heard about it, and now the group is able to can and freeze many supplies needed for winter, thanks to the donations of local farmers.
The best part?
It’s completely self-sufficient! Donations are gratefully accepted, of course, but it’s all done by volunteers.
And, as Michelle told me, the volunteers “have a feel for the community and for the people.” They know what’s needed, and they know that many people here DO need a little help in life.
I have been so, so very impressed with what I’ve seen at Knox, and will continue to offer my time to what they do, even if my contribution is not as extensive as that of so many of the volunteers there.
It’s remarkable to watch people give of themselves to help others but, as Michelle told me – “The purpose is to serve the community.”
And… they do!
Kudos to ALL volunteers there and to the people who come to enjoy what’s offered.
And… if you have an hour or two free on Mondays, come and help out! Or come to just enjoy the lunch and make a donation if you can… and enjoy the people, and enjoy the conversation, and enjoy the smiles of all involved.
DO IT!
– Photo credit: Google Maps
