A St. Albans nonprofit is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024 and is inviting people to support its work this weekend at one of its largest annual fundraisers. Martha's Community Kitchen is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, and our volunteers serve food with compassion. Located on Lake Street in the city. The organization provides complimentary breakfast and lunch to well over 100 guests per day, as well as to-go plates. Patrons include the elderly, people experiencing homelessness and people with limited incomes. “They want to help you in any way they can or do anything for you,” diner Todd Carr said, adding that he would like to thank everyone who donated food and supplies. He added that he is deeply grateful. Funding to make Martha's Community Kitchen a reality. “I was homeless until I found a home five days ago. I've been homeless for five months. It's not fun living outside. People wouldn't be able to survive around here without this kitchen.” 1984 The organization, founded by a coalition of area churches in 2017, told NBC5 News that the needs of those it serves are increasing as people's personal budgets become increasingly stretched due to rising costs such as housing and groceries. He said that as a result, the number is increasing. The number of people who are suffering,” said Bob Begley, manager of Martha's Community Kitchen. Begley said the charity provided nearly 49,000 free meals in 2023, compared to 9,000 in 2000. He never missed a day of service. Begley pointed out that they come to cook and serve, even on major holidays and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when dining has switched to takeout only. “I just want to give back,” said Lynette Strong, a kitchen volunteer. “There are a lot of people who don't eat every day.” Reopening dining rooms for in-person dining will provide an extra element of fellowship, Begley said, adding that Martha's Community Kitchen “I give them a lot of credit,” diner Tammy Servidas said, referring to the Martha's Community Kitchen volunteers. “They're doing a great, great job.” Mr. Begley said that in this 40th anniversary year, the charity is looking back on its tradition of uplifting others, supporting local businesses, churches and families. , and emphasized that it could not have lasted this long without the cooperation of local people. Some people give of themselves to nourish the body and spirit of their neighbors. “Community provides community,” Begley said. Martha's Community Kitchen will be holding its annual major fundraiser on Saturday, May 4th from 1:30pm to 4pm. It's called the “Empty Bowls” event, and tickets are $25. You can choose your bowl, receive your soup and bread, and then keep your bowl. A plant sale will also be held on the same day. The Empty His Bowls fundraiser and plant sale will both be held at 139 Lake Street in St. Albans.
A St. Albans nonprofit is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024 and is inviting people to support its work at its largest annual fundraiser this weekend.
At Martha's Community Kitchen on Lake Street in the city, volunteers serve hearty, thoughtful food seven days a week. The organization serves complimentary breakfast and lunch to well over 100 guests per day, as well as to-go plates. Patrons include the elderly, people experiencing homelessness and people with limited incomes.
“They want to help you in any way they can, or do anything for you,” said diner Todd Carr, who donated food and money to make Martha's Community Kitchen a reality. He added that he is deeply grateful to everyone who donated. “I was homeless until I found a home five days ago. I've been homeless for five months. It's not fun living outside. People wouldn't be able to survive around here without this kitchen.”
The charity, founded in 1984 by a coalition of area churches, told NBC5 News that the people it serves are struggling as a result of people's personal budgets becoming increasingly thin due to rising costs such as housing and groceries. He said that the need for this is increasing.
“There's a lot of people out there who are struggling,” said Bob Begley, manager of Martha's Community Kitchen. “It's also the working poor who are trying to make a living.”
Mr Begley said the charity provided 9,000 free meals in 2000, but will provide nearly 49,000 free meals in 2023. He praised the loyal team of volunteers who he said did not miss a day of service. Begley pointed out that they come to cook and serve during major holidays and even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when dining has switched to takeout only.
“I just love giving back,” said Lynette Strong, a kitchen volunteer. “There are many people who don't eat every day.”
Begley said reopening dining rooms for in-person dining will provide an extra element of camaraderie, and those who dine at Martha's Community Kitchen will appreciate the human connection in their spirit. He added that he found it to be a necessary boost to his health.
“I have a lot of respect for them,” diner Tammy Servidas said of Martha's Community Kitchen volunteers. “They do a great, great job.”
Begley said that in this 40th anniversary year, the charity is looking back on its tradition of uplifting others, supporting local businesses, churches, families and others who give of themselves to feed their neighbors. He emphasized that without the support of the Foundation, this charity work would not have been possible for as long as it has been. body and spirit.
“Community provides community,” Begley said.
Martha's Community Kitchen will hold one of its major annual fundraisers on Saturday, May 4th from 1:30 to 4 p.m. It's called the “Empty Bowls” event, and for a $25 ticket you can choose a bowl and receive soup and a side of bread. And then store the bowl. There will also be a plant sale on the day.
Both the Empty Bowls fundraiser and plant sale will be held at 139 Lake Street in St. Albans.
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