"You're welcome, God bless you," Sue Dreves told a gentleman who stopped by for dinner for his family at Christ United Methodist Church Wednesday.
Dreves and almost two dozen volunteers spent portions of their day preparing and handing out free meals to drive-up and walk-up customers at the Franklin church.
Christ UM outreach coordinator Anne Bakker said the church used to hold monthly community dinners that drew of a crowd of about 150 people on a Friday night. When COVID-19 hit that put an end to that. Not willing to give up, Bakker asked the pastor, "Why can't we just feed them outside?" Pastor Darrell Greenawalt agreed.
They served their first drive-up walk-up meals by the end of April.
Dreves and almost two dozen volunteers spent portions of their day preparing and handing out free meals to drive-up and walk-up customers at the Franklin church.
Christ UM outreach coordinator Anne Bakker said the church used to hold monthly community dinners that drew of a crowd of about 150 people on a Friday night. When COVID-19 hit that put an end to that. Not willing to give up, Bakker asked the pastor, "Why can't we just feed them outside?" Pastor Darrell Greenawalt agreed.
They served their first drive-up walk-up meals by the end of April.
The change has been quite a success with twice as many meals served on twice as many nights.
Bakker, who plans the menus, said they now serve over 400 meals a month. They serve them every other Wednesday in the church parking lot. Many people drive through and several others from the neighborhood walk over to get their meals.
"We've got some hungry folks in our community," Bakker said. She tries to have a different menu planned each week. Last week it was chicken and biscuits cooked mostly from scratch by a group of volunteers who started at noon for the 5 p.m. serving time.
Bakker, who plans the menus, said they now serve over 400 meals a month. They serve them every other Wednesday in the church parking lot. Many people drive through and several others from the neighborhood walk over to get their meals.
"We've got some hungry folks in our community," Bakker said. She tries to have a different menu planned each week. Last week it was chicken and biscuits cooked mostly from scratch by a group of volunteers who started at noon for the 5 p.m. serving time.
"It's an amazing ministry, I appreciate everyone so much," Bakker said.
Volunteer Karen Bingman agrees. "It's a great church. This [volunteering to prepare meals] is fun, the camaraderie is great," she said.
One fun aspect of the community sit down dinners was the hugs volunteers would receive from their guests. Since social distancing requirements suggest that is not wise, they have gotten a little creative. "Everyone Needs a Hug," a sign reads at the distribution area.
Now they give them out by way of the Hugs drink. They say it's one way to have a little fun and still be able to give out a hug and connect.
Volunteer Karen Bingman agrees. "It's a great church. This [volunteering to prepare meals] is fun, the camaraderie is great," she said.
One fun aspect of the community sit down dinners was the hugs volunteers would receive from their guests. Since social distancing requirements suggest that is not wise, they have gotten a little creative. "Everyone Needs a Hug," a sign reads at the distribution area.
Now they give them out by way of the Hugs drink. They say it's one way to have a little fun and still be able to give out a hug and connect.
Bakker hopes when the restrictions are lifted to once again have the community sit down together, share a meal and socialize. During this COVID-19 time she has come to realize an even greater need in the community than she saw before. She says if they can keep providing the twice-a-month Wednesday meals and eventually bring back the once-a-month Friday sit-down meal, she is up for the challenge.
Providing all those meals does cost money, Bakker acknowledges. Church member donations and the pastor's discretionary fund are so far keeping the meals coming, she said.
Bakker said any monetary donations are helpful and can be sent to the church at 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA 16323
"Our members are so great and the community is so supportive," Bakker said
Providing all those meals does cost money, Bakker acknowledges. Church member donations and the pastor's discretionary fund are so far keeping the meals coming, she said.
Bakker said any monetary donations are helpful and can be sent to the church at 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA 16323
"Our members are so great and the community is so supportive," Bakker said
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