ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — This month’s soup kitchen at the George P. Thames Adult Activity Center was special in more ways than one.
For starters, it was a week early. Normally held the last Friday of every month, this month’s offering was held this past Friday, Sept. 20, because many of the Robertsdale Senior group was going to be out of town Sept. 23-27 on a special trip to Chattanooga, which included a ride aboard the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Another reason this month’s soup kitchen was special is because they received a donation of goody bags from Catholic Social Services.
“We delivered 45 bags to our shut ins, along with bags of food and dry-goods to our homebound residents,” said soup kitchen coordinator Becky Hayes.
The bags included bathroom tissue, paper towels, dish soap, laundry detergent and bar soap.
Those receiving the bags filled out their name and the date they received the bag and if they want they can refill the bags after a month by contacting Catholic Social Services at 251-947-2293.
Now in its sixth year of operation, the soup kitchen is held on the last Friday of every month and while the September soup kitchen did feature a variety of soups, other months have featured a wide variety of foods, from chicken and dumplings, to spaghetti, to tacos and Mexican fare.
“We cook whatever we have available,” Hayes said. “We appreciate all the donations from the community and welcome donations and any volunteers who would like to help out. We understand that there are a lot of winter visitors to the area this time of year and if they are looking for a place to volunteer, we’d love to have them.”
Volunteers are also needed to deliver meals to shut-ins every month, Hayes said.
For the past several months, volunteers from Alabama Hospice have been helping with the delivery, Hayes said.
“We certainly want to thank them for all they do for us,” Hayes said.
Hayes said while they will not turn anyone away who needs a hot meal, donations are gladly accepted from those who want to come and support the program.
If you would like to donate, contact the Hayes or Claudia Barbee at the Senior Center, (251) 947-8973, or donations can be dropped off directly at the center.
