Though donations are down, it has been a good year so far for the Abundant Harvest Food Kitchen and the Emporia Rescue Mission. From handing out bread and fresh produce to opening a free clothing boutique, the range of services offered by the mission has expanded over the past year, according to Lee Alderman, executive director.
“Abundant Harvest has been doing great,” Alderman said. “We’ve been getting quite a bit of produce from a local donor, and that’s been a real blessing to folks, to get this fresh produce.”
The mission also has opened a free clothing boutique in its building at 1028 Whittier St. to serve those who can’t afford to shop at the Salvation Army or the Goodwill store. People are allowed a sack full of clothes per month.
“That’s been real busy,” Alderman said.
A recent upgrade to the building was made possible through a donation of $33,000 from the Loretto A. Langley Charitable Trust. The money went to fund a new roof, which was finished this week, as well as a suspended ceiling, new lighting and insulation.
“That’ll be a nice addition to the clothing boutique,” Alderman said. “What we’re hoping to do is to create more of a clothing clearinghouse for the region, so the folks and businesses who have clothing to donate can take it there.”
Abundant Harvest also still serves the familiar, free hot meal at 5:30 p.m. from Monday through Thursday.
One of the organization’s goals for the future is to be able to provide long-term housing for those who need it, Alderman said. One problem with the men’s Rescue Mission is that people who stay there do fine while there but struggle when they’re out on their own.
“We have a segment of our population that needs longer-term housing with us,” he said. “We’re looking for a new facility that we can put the soup kitchen, the clothing boutique and long-term housing all in one property.”
With winter coming on, the organization also has about 100 blankets to give away. Those who need blankets can stop by Abundant Harvest Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.
“We’d like to get those out this month, because this is when they’re needed,” Alderman said.
Those who would like to make a monetary donation can send checks to P.O. Box 901. Those who wish to donate clothing and other durable goods may take them to Abundant Harvest.