LOCKPORT: Local soup kitchen operates with new oven.

By Joe Olenick<br><a href="mailto:olenickj@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Joe</a>
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

November 30, 2008 11:31 pm

— The Sister Mary Loretto Memorial Soup Kitchen at the Lockport Salvation Army is cooking.
The volunteers at the kitchen have a new oven to work with. The convection oven was purchased by the kitchen with a donation from Wal-Mart.
“They love that thing,” said Maj. John Wheeler, Lockport Salvation Army director. “Thank you, Wal-Mart.”
The oven holds temperature better than the previous oven. Wheeler said the oven also cooks faster and more evenly, meaning food inside the oven won’t have to be moved while being cooked. The oven is also much more energy-efficient, providing some savings for the kitchen.
The kitchen is open from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. five days a week and gives out about 4,000 meals a month. The food is something that draws people like Fred Budd to the soup kitchen.
“I like it — that’s why I come,” he said. “My favorite is turkey, gravy with mashed potatoes.”
The Sister Mary Loretto Memorial Soup Kitchen fundraising drive is now under way, and the kitchen is asking people to donate. Donations may be sent by clipping the coupon on the front page of the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, which appears each day, Monday through Saturday. Donations can be made in honor or memory of a loved one, and the donor’s name, the amount of the donation and the sentiments of the donor will be published. Donors also can remain anonymous.
The donations, along with the completed coupons, can be dropped off at any First Niagara Bank or can be mailed to First Niagara Bank, 55 East Ave., Lockport, NY 14094.