The DU Lounge

I volunteer in a soup kitchen that sounds like the one you described. We serve up to 300 hot lunches everyday, and everyone waiting in line will get a hot nutritious meal and a chance to sit down away from the cold of winter or heat of summer.

Some things to consider.

Did you stay to clean up the chicken baskets and bones after the food was consumed? We have been ticketed by our city when our guests leave with food and leave the waste outside in the street.

Not bringing enough for everyone can lead to fights and such. We have off-duty police officers volunteer to work the door. It helps keep the peace and gives the guests and the police officers a chance to get to know each other in a non-confrontational manner. I know who has dementia, psychiatric issues, and who needs to be greeted by name with a smile so they don't become disruptive. Fights and confrontations do happen.

If you want to help you can see if they will accept food donations at the kitchen. We have restaurants, hunters, corporate cafeterias and individuals bringing by extra food, leftover wedding cake, and other catering items all the time. You can donate money, or better yet donate your time, you get to know some of the regular guests and interact with them. The kitchen I volunteer at is in the basement of a church, it's a good group of caring individuals. Not all of us, me included, are Christian or of the same race, ethnicity, or economic status, but all are welcome. We even have former guests who have made a better life for themselves who come back and help.

Your actions are generous and thoughtful and you are to be commended for turning your good intentions into action. Please understand, however, that your deeds may have unintentionally negative ramifications. It is by far better and safer for all concerned it you work through the soup kitchen instead of independently of them.