Our area supports several institutions that provide help to those in need. One of the very best is the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling. For many years compassionate local residents and businesses have ensured that when the Soup Kitchen required help, it was forthcoming.
Now, more support is being sought because more people are turning to the Soup Kitchen to fulfill that most basic of human needs, sustenance.
A decade ago, those at the Soup Kitchen believed serving 125 meals a day was a lot, Executive Director Becky Shilling-Rodocker told our reporter. But a typical day now requires preparation of about 300 meals.
There are a variety of reasons, ranging from high unemployment to rising food prices, why more people are relying on the Soup Kitchen. Some who eat there do so only after their food stamps or other government assistance runs out each month. The number in that category has increased because of government cutbacks in the food stamp program.
Again, the Soup Kitchen has received excellent support for many years, in part because it is operated efficiently. Last year, the budget was about $300,000, and for that, 113,000 meals were served.
If you are interested in volunteering to help at the Soup Kitchen, call 304-233-2992. If you'd like to send a donation, mail it to the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling, P.O. Box 546, 1610 Eoff St., Wheeling, WV 26003.
Undecided? Remember the last time you were hungry? What if the cupboard and refrigerator had been bare?
