One would have to be blind to not notice the various effects of the economic crisis that began to plagued the nation in 2008. From the chaotic shifts in housing costs to the ever-rising prices of gas, millions of people across the nation are struggling to simply put a meal on the table. As more and more people begin to hang on by a thread, many are beginning to look to community establishments such as the Morristown Community Soup Kitchen for assistance. In 1984, the community soup kitchen in Morristown opened its doors to thousands in need of assistance. Open 365 days a year, rain or shine, the Morristown Community Soup Kitchen offers a wide variety of services ranging from free meals, mental evaluation, and support. The operation is kept running daily by volunteers such as MHS senior Elena Haralampoudis who their valuable time to assist in the day-to-day motions of the soup kitchen. I decided to ask Elena a few questions to gain more knowledge on what the soup kitchen is all about.
(MDO) How often do you volunteer?
(EH) Over the summer, I am there two to three days a week. During the school year, I only go around twice a month but sometimes I’ll come for a couple hours on Saturday.
(MDO) When did you start volunteering?
(EH) I started volunteering when I was in 8th grade.
(MDO) What work needs to be done at the soup kitchen?
(EH) Everything from picking up food that will be delivered that day to office work, writing emails, entering data, serving in line, and youth council. Over the summer we had Wal-Mart day where we had a camp that taught the soup kitchen visitors about eating healthy and balanced meals on their income. At the end of the camp we gave the kids backpacks, which they thought was the greatest thing ever.
(MDO) When people hear “soup kitchen” they think of homeless people. How has your volunteering changed your perspective on the soup kitchen?
(EH) Although there are homeless people at the soup kitchen, the majority aren’t homeless. A lot of the people who come here are families who just can’t make ends meet with what they’re making and have to cut things out of the spending habits like food.
(MDO) Have you made any friendships with any of the other workers or visitors?
(EH) All of the women who work there full-time are really great people. We’ve gotten really close over the years and some of them are writing recommendations for me.
(MDO) How did you get involved in the soup kitchen?
(EH) My dad’s business has given a lot to the soup kitchen over the years. At first I would only tag along every once in a while but since then I’ve been going more often and actually enjoy helping out.
(MDO) What would you say to anyone looking to volunteer at the soup kitchen?
(EH) I’d say go for it. It’s a great opportunity and you get to meet a lot of great people, both visitors and coworkers. It’s really awesome to see how happy the visitors are when you’re helping them out and making their life better with something as small as a meal.
For more information on the Morristown Community visit:
http://www.cskmorristown.org/