Salvation Army ministry leader Wayne Gillespie yesterday said they heard that some people didn’t know who are eligible to eat at the soup kitchen.
“Many are not coming because they think that the program is only for a specific group of people. The fact is that anyone who needs food may come to eat and we welcome families,” Gillespie said.
The open house of the Guma Yo’ Ase’ or House of Mercy soup kitchen on May 14 went very well, as well as the first official day of operation last Saturday.
“We served 18 clients during the open house and 16 clients on May 21,” Gillespie said.
The soup kitchen will be open every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m..
About 50 individuals can be accommodated at the soup kitchen, and Gillespie earlier said they are ready to open for more days a week if necessary.
Gillespie said as the Salvation Army relies on donations to carry on with its operations, they will be glad to accept assistance from the community.
“We are always in need of donations of cash and non-perishable food items, such as canned meats and vegetables,” he said.
The rummage sale area will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday.
“We welcome donations of working, serviceable items from the community members such as furniture, appliances and kitchen items,” Gillespie said.
Donated items will be sold at cheaper prices and the proceeds will go to support the Salvation Army’s local programming, such as the soup kitchen.
The Guma Yo’ase’ is located on Beach Road in Chalan Piao, south of the traffic light or gas station.
To donate or to get more information, email wayne.gillespie@usw.salvationarmy.org or call 483-0885.
