IT MAY SEEM crazy to ask anybody to give during economic times like these, but the Emporia Rescue Mission and Abundant Harvest soup kitchen are asking.
According to Lee Alderman, director of the ministries, donations have dropped by 30 percent, and both outreaches are in danger of closing.
It wouldn’t be a problem if people in the community weren’t benefiting from what these ministries offer. But they are.
The numbers prove it:
F The soup kitchen at 1028 Whittier St. serves approximately 1,200 meals a month to people in need. It is the only venue in town where there are no restrictions on who can partake of the free meal. Anyone from anywhere is welcome to come and eat.
F Each night Abundant Harvest is open, Monday through Thursday, 30 to 80 people come for supper and for leftovers to take home. For many men, women and children, the Abundant Harvest soup kitchen is critical to their well-being.
F The Rescue Mission, located at 1119 Merchant St., provides an average of 150 bed nights a month to men in need of shelter and assists them in getting on their feet again so they can move out and provide for themselves once again.
It is often said, “desperate times call for desperate measures.” That is why Alderman is asking the Emporia area community to raise $40,000 by April 30 to support both ministries. If successful, the ministries would receive an additional $40,000 in a matching grant from Alan Shawn Feinstein’s annual $1 Million Giveaway. Food donations may be counted toward the ministries’ match.
The Emporia Rescue Mission and Abundant Harvest, but more importantly, the people they serve, are desperate right now. But how much more desperate will the people be if these outreaches suddenly close their doors to them?
They are asking for our help.
Ashley Knecht Walker
Projects Editor
Donations may be sent to the Emporia Rescue Mission,
1119 Merchant St., Emporia, KS 66801 or can be made online
at www.emporiamission.org.