Published: December 05, 2008 12:37 am            

SOUP KITCHEN: Volunteers enjoy work at Sister Mary Loretto Soup Kitchen

Volunteers at the Sister Mary Loretto Memorial Soup Kitchen enjoy their work.

Lockport resident Sheree Bowen volunteers once a week and has done so for two years. She serves food to some of the patrons who come in looking for a warm meal. Bowen is also a bellringer for the Salvation Army.

Bowen said a message from her pastor at Victory Christian Church inspired her to volunteer. The message was a sermon that asked if the church was making a difference in its community. Bowen said the church needs to reach beyond its four walls.

“When I see those who need help, my compassion increases,” Bowen said. “To see them feel God’s love, that’s what brings me here.”

Dianne Fragale of Gasport volunteers on the first and third Wednesdays at the kitchen. Fragale said she went on a trip with her church to New York City and worked in a soup kitchen there. That inspired her to help and started her volunteering at the kitchen in February. But a big reason why Fragale works at the kitchen is the patrons and volunteers.

“I like the people,” she said.

Located at the Lockport Salvation Army on Cottage Street, the kitchen is open from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and gives out about 200 meals a day.

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 page 1A of the Union-Sun & Journal. The coupon will be published Monday to Saturday through Christmas Eve. 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.

Contact reporter Joe Olenick at 439-9222, ext. 6241.

        

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