This past Friday, May 31st was Madison High School’s Day of Service. Every year towards the end of May, the school designates one day during which every student volunteers and does community service for a whole school day. This year there were 50+ projects to choose from, Madison Dodger Online having their own project. On Friday morning MDO took a trip to Morristown to volunteer at the Community Soup Kitchen in Morristown, NJ.
The Community Soup Kitchen (CSK) is located at the Church of the Redeemer on South Street in Morristown. This service provides a noontime meal seven days a week for between 125 and 185 working poor and homeless people and is available to any individual in need of a meal. According to the CSK’s annual report, their mission is,
“To provide nutritious meals in a warm, safe and caring environment, free of charge, no questions asked, to anyone who comes seeking nourishment. As a part of our hospitality we also encourage and assist our guests in accessing community resources, services, and educational programs.”
A big problem faced the CSK in the past: a fear of their doors almost closing. Thanks to dedicated supporters, however, they discovered a pleasantly unexpected solution. The Board of Health had said that CSK couldn’t accept food donations made in people’s homes, and that all food must be prepared in a certified kitchen, and that the existing staff was not up to par.
To answer the CSK’s prayers, dedicated supporter Alan Weinstein reported that 30 local restaurants, caterers and food suppliers would come to the rescue and agree to join forces with the CSK. These eateries continue to donate entrees and soups on a regular basis. Another Board of Health (BOH) renovation needed was a major kitchen renovation, which was also made possible thanks to generous donors. These generous donors are the people who keep the CSK up and running and helping and changing lives everyday. Stay tuned to the Dodger to read individual student’s reflections of the day.