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Warm bowls of soup and wide smiles of gratitude were shared at The Coffee Connection on Monday afternoon to absolutely anyone who needed them.
About 30 people were served at the first free Monday soup kitchen, which will be sponsored throughout the winter months by various local churches.
Mount Shasta’s Tita Klug said the idea to begin a free soup kitchen was “God inspired.”
“He just put it on my heart, and the community has responded with such enthusiasm,” she said. “We are here to serve all people.”
People of all ages enjoyed the meal, including a young girl who was celebrating her third birthday with her family.
“The food is wonderful, and the people are the best,” said Jose Casso, who’s been living in the area for about five years. “I pray we can continue to help each other and create a better community.”
Odessa Princess agreed. “This helps the community and all of God’s children,” she said with a wide smile. “It’s the most amazing thing I’ve seen... it’s totally positive.”
“I give it an A plus in all categories,” said Art Carr, who was seated next to Odessa. “This is the first time I’ve seen this, and I’ve been here for years.”
The Monday kitchen may also come in handy for those who depend on the Senior Nutrition Program, which has been forced to cut service on Mondays beginning Nov. 15, said volunteer Linda Bonebrake.
“It’s really open to everyone,” Klug said, “no matter the reason.”
Eric Carlson, a member of the First Baptist Church in Mount Shasta, believes the soup kitchen is a wonderful idea. He works with many homeless people in the area, helping to provide them with food, clothing and other supplies essential to survival.
“The organizers are so kind and gracious to the folks who are disenfranchised,” he said. “Jesus washed his apostles’ feet, and was embarrassing for them, but the lesson is that we should all be washing each other’s feet all the time. This is a wonderful example of the community joining together to do that.”
In November, Monday meals will be served by Klug’s church, the Evangelical Free Church.
December was claimed by the Hope Community Church, January by the Church of the Nazarene, February by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, March by the Lake Shastina Bible Church, and April by St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Warm bowls of soup and wide smiles of gratitude were shared at The Coffee Connection on Monday afternoon to absolutely anyone who needed them.
About 30 people were served at the first free Monday soup kitchen, which will be sponsored throughout the winter months by various local churches.
Mount Shasta’s Tita Klug said the idea to begin a free soup kitchen was “God inspired.”
“He just put it on my heart, and the community has responded with such enthusiasm,” she said. “We are here to serve all people.”
People of all ages enjoyed the meal, including a young girl who was celebrating her third birthday with her family.
“The food is wonderful, and the people are the best,” said Jose Casso, who’s been living in the area for about five years. “I pray we can continue to help each other and create a better community.”
Odessa Princess agreed. “This helps the community and all of God’s children,” she said with a wide smile. “It’s the most amazing thing I’ve seen... it’s totally positive.”
“I give it an A plus in all categories,” said Art Carr, who was seated next to Odessa. “This is the first time I’ve seen this, and I’ve been here for years.”
The Monday kitchen may also come in handy for those who depend on the Senior Nutrition Program, which has been forced to cut service on Mondays beginning Nov. 15, said volunteer Linda Bonebrake.
“It’s really open to everyone,” Klug said, “no matter the reason.”
Eric Carlson, a member of the First Baptist Church in Mount Shasta, believes the soup kitchen is a wonderful idea. He works with many homeless people in the area, helping to provide them with food, clothing and other supplies essential to survival.
“The organizers are so kind and gracious to the folks who are disenfranchised,” he said. “Jesus washed his apostles’ feet, and was embarrassing for them, but the lesson is that we should all be washing each other’s feet all the time. This is a wonderful example of the community joining together to do that.”
In November, Monday meals will be served by Klug’s church, the Evangelical Free Church.
December was claimed by the Hope Community Church, January by the Church of the Nazarene, February by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, March by the Lake Shastina Bible Church, and April by St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Teams of volunteers from each church will raise their own funds and provide the food and service, Klug said.
“I’m so grateful to the Coffee Connection for blessing us with the use of the space and facility,” said Klug. “When I called the churches, they responded with such joy and anticipation... It’s been wonderful.”
Also offered at the soup kitchen are free coats, sweatshirts, mittens, hats and other warm clothes to help people get through the cold days of winter, which are just around the corner.
Free meals will be available every Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Coffee Connection, 408 Mt. Shasta Boulevard in Mount Shasta.
