We Need YOU!

49 million Americans don’t know where their next meal is coming from.  14.5% of households struggle to put food on the table.[1]  We live in a time of economic uncertainty where millions are affected by a flagging job market, limited or unavailable resources, and where local state and federal agencies are challenged to support the poor and vulnerable of our society.  And, in a time when our historic safety nets are threatened, it is more important than ever for volunteers to step forward. Nonprofit organizations such as ours simply could not operate without the generous contributions of volunteers – their money, their time, and their energy.

We need you not only for the energy and commitment you bring to Open Kitchen, but for your ability to tell others what you are seeing and to advocate for those real people whom you meet. The world of hunger and homelessness is one many could choose to ignore. Neither statistics nor theories nor even the nightly news will open people’s minds and hearts; it is listening to someone else’s story and realizing that we must demand social change and justice.  The more we begin to listen to each other, the more we will see that feeding and empowering the poor goes beyond “charity.” Taking care of others is living out our calling to love God with all our hearts, minds, and souls and to love our neighbors as ourselves. By your individual efforts, and as a collaborative team, we will bring hope in a time of need. Will you change the lives of others? Yes! Will you be changed because of your service to others? ABSOLUTELY!

It is an honor to partner with each and every one of our volunteers. We pray blessings on you and your family for your commitment to our team.



[1] “About Hunger.” Bread for the World. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2013. <http://www.bread.org/>.