On a crisp fall Saturday, a steaming bowl of hot pork and bean soup served with corn bread, vegetables and chocolate cake uplifted many spirit s that visited the weekly lunch in at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 9 S. Fourth St.
The free potluck meals are a part of lunch-in program, where churches take turns hosting a meal at the church.
This week the Wesley United Methodist lined a stretch of tables with crockpots filled with hot soup, a platter of corn bread, vegetables and pitchers of lemonade and coffee. Volunteer Marilyn White, of Wesley Methodists helped heap plates with food. White has volunteered since the church first started participating in the lunches nearly 10 years ago.
“I thought it was a worthwhile project,” she said. “It is very rewarding. You also get to work with members of the church and see them in a different light.”
Volunteers who work the lunches have come to know most of the residents that frequent the meals. Most residents are greeted by name as they wait in line.
“You better be back next time,” said volunteer Nancy McCreedy as she helped ladle out bowls of hot soup to the nearly 50 attendees.
For Yaacob Israel, of Niles, the weekly meals are a little piece of mind for him and his daughter. Israel is a single father and said the weekly meals help him save a little money throughout the week. The church is also in close proximity to his house. Israel wears many hats in the community. He works part-time at McDonald’s and also does work as a videographer and photographer. He enjoys learning about history and talking with the other residents that attend the meals.
“The meals are pretty good,” Israel said. “It is appreciated.”
Israel is one of many who expresses gratitude towards the volunteers.
“They are very thankful,” White said. “They enjoy the cold meals in the summer and the hot meals in the winter.”
Lunch attendee Kim Bowker has attended the lunches for years with her husband Brian Bowker. During the lunch-in Saturday, the couple drank hot coffee and ate soup at a table with others.
“I enjoy visiting with friends and having a nice meal and being with the Christians,” Bowker said.
Each of the church members have their own role in helping the lunches come together.
Volunteer Grace DeMayo said she cannot cook, but has always enjoyed participating in events that give back to the community. She visits with residents and then goes back to the kitchen to help clean dishes.
“This is the way I was raised,” DeMayo said as she wiped a drink cylinder clean. “It is very good for the community. A lot of people come.”