To our dear friends,
As we prepare to move into a brand-new year full of opportunities to meet the needs of those struggling with food insecurity, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the generosity you have shown to St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen, especially over these last two challenging years.
In addition to helping us provide more than 120,000 free meals to the hungry last year alone, you have dug deep into your pockets and have joined the journey of our building campaign, More Space, Less Hunger.
We anticipate moving into our new facility on Point Lookout Rd. in Spring 2023. This building, which was gifted to us by Mr. Bubby Knott, will be our permanent home. We are in the process of updating and expanding the kitchen to meet the needs and requirements of a commercial kitchen.
In this much larger space, our guests will be able to gather around a table for a hot, nutritious meal. We will have room to accommodate all who come, without them having to wait for a spot to sit and eat as they did in our current space prior to COVID. We will also be welcoming back our partner agencies who will share their valuable resources with our guests, and we will once again offer special activities such art and craft classes.
Our guests are just as excited about the new space because, for them, it is not just a place for a free hot meal, but a place where they feel at home. “We so appreciate the food we get here every day, but being able to come inside again and sit together with friends is the best,” said George M. “I can’t wait.”
We will still offer drive- up take and go meals for those who are unable to come inside.
Thanks to all of you, we will continue to be that safety net for those who find themselves in a tough place, just as we have been for the last 29 years.
Wishing you a merry and bright season and a Happy New Year!
With joy and gratitude,
Kristine Millen
Executive Director
St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen
