Worthy cause — The Soup Kitchen: Year-round charity

Feeling moved by the Christmas spirit but at a loss as to how to express it? There are many opportunities, of course. And we are reminded of some of them — like the Empty Stocking Fund — almost daily. But one project offers a year-round opportunity for reaching out to those in need. It is the Community Soup Kitchen. For years it operated out of facilities at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Goldsboro. Since last March, its home has been in the Oak Street portion of Temple Ohed Shalom at James and Oak streets. The kitchen provides an average of 2,400 meals a month. It operates entirely out of the goodness of the hearts of our fellow citizens, church and youth groups, military organizations and private individuals. It is financed wholly by donations of funds and food and is staffed daily by volunteers. Its mission is simply stated: “To bring together people and resources of Wayne County to provide a daily meal for those who are hungry. Each person is welcomed with understanding, dignity and without obligation.” Those who visit the Soup Kitchen will find a wide range of people — little children, elderly people, male, female, ones of various races and cultures. And all with a common thread — they are without personal resources and it’s mealtime and they are hungry. They are drawn to the Soup Kitchen by word of mouth, by the recommendation of agencies — and perhaps by the fragrance of freshly cooked food. Among the volunteers may be people you know — business and professional people, housewives, retirees. All with a common bond: to reach out to those in need. The opportunity to serve is there for most of us by donating foods of all kinds, canned, boxed, preserved; or by contributing funds. Or by becoming a volunteer. Drop by at 112 W. Oak St. between 8:30 a.m. and noon. Or contact Doricia Benton at 731-3939 or by cell phone: 922-2106. The mailing address for contributions is P.O. Box 1064, Goldsboro, 27533.

Published in Editorials on December 13, 2004 12:00 PM