By Natalie De La Garza
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — The Bread of Life Soup Kitchen aims to provide 22 meals a month for all and any who need a little help getting by, but that mission could be seriously compromised unless a dedicated volunteer steps forward to manage the kitchen.
“The soup kitchen has a great volunteer core but we need people that are experienced in organizing work crews, working with the public and managing our facilities,” explained Chair of the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen Board of Directors, Dr. Josette Hunter.
Caribou City Councilor Kenneth Murchison has served on the kitchen’s board for the past four years and said that the time requirement for a volunteer manager would range from as high as 22 hours a week to as few as eight.
“Really, we’re just looking for people who’d like to donate their time and help people who need a hand,” he said.
Life experiences are also desirable in the new volunteer manager — like knowing what to do if a freezer breaks.
The number of clients served at the kitchen fluctuates both seasonally and daily.
“Many of the clients that frequent the establishment have become familiar faces that benefit from the kitchen’s services daily while others are transient, some have reached a point in life where providing for the basics has become difficult and still other seek the warm and welcoming atmosphere — but all are in need of your services,” Hunter explained.
Several individuals and groups in the community have shown their enthusiasm for compassionate volunteerism over the years — Murchison said that a group from Cary has been one of the kitchen’s best supporters and members of the Caribou Rotary Club have been volunteering their services as well. Several church groups in the region have also donated their time to help serve dinner to those in need, and the consensus of volunteers is that lending a hand to those in need is a worthwhile, rewarding experience.
“It’s good to give back when you can,” Murchison said.
Those interested in offering their time to help keep the soup kitchen going are encouraged to send a letter of interest to the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen Board of Directors at 62 Collins Street in Caribou, calling 493-4858 or emailing Josette@huntermissions.com.
Board members are hopeful to have the kitchen open once more in September.
