First Presbyterian Soup Kitchen has been awarded more than $16,000 in prizes by more than 100 caring women of Dickinson County. Here are volunteers working on a recent community meal. Clockwise from left: Laurie Fuller, Joanne Novara, Sandy Petroff, and Patty Evertsch. (Terry Castellas/Daily News Photo)
KINGSFORD — First Presbyterian Church of Kingsford first offered a Christmas Day community meal in December 1993.
After 10 years, the church decided its next mission was to open the kitchen for weekly meal services.
The First Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen has been providing free food and fellowship for the past 21 years.
Over the years, we have evolved from hosting just a few guests to now hosting over 150 guests.
According to co-coordinator Sandy Petroff, up until March 2020, Fellowship Hall averaged about 80 customers a week, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the kitchen became drive-thru only. As a result, adjustments were necessary.
First Presbyterian Soup Kitchen installed a new refrigerator and dishwasher with more than $16,000 in funding received from more than 100 women's aid groups in Dickinson County. From left: volunteer Joanne Novara, co-coordinators Sandy Petroff and Patti Evertue, and volunteer Laurie Fuller. (Terry Castellas/Daily News Photo)
“Since the pandemic, we have experienced significant growth. At our peak, we were serving over 250 meals.” said soup kitchen coordinator Patty Evertsch. “We are now feeding a lot of young families.”
Evertue explained that even though it has been four years since then, the soup kitchen still sees a significant need in the community.
“Some people are not working yet. Many just need extra doses to replenish, or some are taking them to elderly or homebound neighbors.” Church Secretary Mary Jean Larson said:
Costs will rise with demand and require better equipment.
Approximately $16,000 awarded to the group earlier this year by the Careers of More than 100 Women of Dickinson County helped make some of these purchases.
A larger refrigeration system and new dishwasher have already been installed.
“For our last Christmas dinner, the weather was so warm that we had to use our trailer to buy ice.” Larson added that they served 750 meals on Christmas Day, one of the highest numbers in years.
“The dishwasher also really needed to be replaced.” Ebertsch said.
They are currently working on purchasing other necessary kitchen equipment on their wish list. Some of these items include Nesco roasters, pots, pans, tableware, and more.
“We are so grateful that a centenarian chose us.” Ebertsch said. “We are very grateful for the financial support to keep the kitchen going.”
To date, the nonprofit has donated more than $715,000 to 34 local charities.
“Now more than ever, soup kitchens are responding to a real need in our community.” 100-Plus Women member Chris Leonard says:
Petrov said they were one of the first companies to benefit from the generosity of 100-Plus Women Who Care in 2013.
It is known as “Soup Kitchen” The meal itself is not a soup. Dinners change monthly and include pasties, ham and scallops with potatoes, casseroles, and chili. All meals include vegetables, fruit, and dessert.
Evertsch said the evening's menu will revolve around several factors, including what products are on sale, what's in the freezer, what's donated and the number of volunteers.
“If it's a labor-intensive meal, you need to make sure all the volunteers are there.” she added.
Average costs range from $600 to $700 per week, which includes packaging.
Our coordinators review grocery ads each week to find the best deals.
“Everything has doubled since I started.” Ebertsch said.
The soup kitchen is primarily funded by donations from local businesses, agencies, organizations and organizations. We also receive monetary and gift card donations from the community and church members.
The program also received a grant from the Dickinson Area Community Foundation.
“This is truly a community meal, because it’s not just our congregation that is serving it.” Larson said. “It’s great to have the community support.”
Initially, the church's mission was to foster fellowship within the community, but the pandemic has changed the situation and it is now more focused on needs.
“We are excited to continue serving communities in need.” Ebertsch said.
Participants continue to express their gratitude for what the church provides to the community. “Some people come in with tears of gratitude for feeding their young families.” Petrov said. “Some people expect to pay. They're surprised that the meal is free.”
Meals are served twice a month from 5pm to 5:30pm. The soup kitchen schedule is posted on the door of the church, located at 395 Hamilton Avenue in Kingsford. Future dates will also be distributed at meal pick-up.
Participants do not need to make a reservation. When you arrive at the church, an attendant will ask you how many meals you need.
Organizers had hoped to reopen for dine-in service, but a lack of volunteers has made that impossible, and the kitchen is always looking for more help. It takes about 15 to 20 people to prepare, clean, and serve the meals.
“We currently have a great group of volunteers, many of whom are high school students as well as members of the older generation.” Petrov said.
Volunteers do not need to be members of First Presbyterian Church to participate in the community service program, Larson noted. If you are interested, please contact the church office at 906-774-4211.
Space at this facility is also regularly used by many other groups and clubs.
“It really is a community kitchen.” Petrov said.
The organization, which cares for more than 100 women in Dickinson County, will hold its second meeting of 2024 on May 13 at Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain.
Members are encouraged to nominate a worthy 501(c)(3) organization or charity to receive donations from the conference. If four of her meetings have elapsed since the group was last selected, the group is eligible to be nominated again.
For more information about the organization or a form to join, please email dc100women@gmail.com. Membership forms are also available at the entrance. Women who are interested are welcome to join us.
