Chickasha Soup Kitchen Newsletter |
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Quote for the Quarter : A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9 |
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How did the Chickasha Soup Kitchen begin? |
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We are a 100% volunteer organization. Some of us come from Religious Groups and others from Clubs and Businesses.
We are united by a mission statement: "As followers of Christ we answer the call to meet the needs of the Hungry in the Chickasha area. We do so by being inspired by the words of Matthew 25:40 "And the King will answer them, "Truly I tell You, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of My family, you do it to me."
Yes, we take Joy in preparing hot, nutritious, well balanced meals for any and all who show up at 520 W Pennsylvania Ave, Mon-Friday 11:30-1pm. However, because of Covid, we've been serving to go containers out the side door. At some point, hopefully soon, this will change and when conditions are right, that protect the health and safety of our clients and volunteers, we'll be back gathering around tables, family style. (However, we are sensitive to clients with mental health issues or who are just having a crummy day and want to be left alone). The point is the Chickasha Soup Kitchen is an Open Table. All are Welcome. |
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So Who are we and Why did we come together? |
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This idea found its way into the heart of Michael Oberlender, Pastor of the First Christian Church. And as the saying goes where the heart leads the mind will follow. His heart noticed the poverty in Chickasha. His head did the research, and according to Data USA, Chickasha has a population of 16,297 and a poverty rate of 19.9%, (probably the only statistic it shares with Chicago).
His church had started in 2018 a peanut butter and jelly sandwich ministry, sometimes serving as many as 50 sandwiches a day. Unfortunately, the soup kitchen, Corner Stone Ministry, founded by Bill Nunley, had closed with his death in February 2015. Maybe it was time to step up and do more to help with the problem of hunger in Chickasha. He sent out flyers and on Nov 8, 2018, others who shared his heart showed up at his church for a meal and a conversation about feeding the hungry. A board was formed and on May 2, 2019 our 501c(3) tax status was acheived. |
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Where was the first meal served and did anyone show up to eat it? |
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Our first location was the cafeteria at Resurrection House. A special Thank You to Resurrection House for extending this privilege. And to the code enforcers and Grady County Health Department who waived some fees, money we used to make meals.
Our First meal was served on Sept 20, 2019. Twelve people showed up. We were thrilled. Our small, but loyal, crew of volunteers stepped up to serve a nutritious noon meal 3 days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. |
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But once we'd settled into this routine we got UPENDED in the best possible way. What happened? |
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Gateway of Hope Chapel offered us the use of their building on October 10, 2019. We are eternally Grateful! This is our current location at 520 W. Pennsylvania Ave. However, when we first got there the kitchen needed remodeling and so meals were prepared elsewhere and brought in. We served our first meal here in February of 2020. We had enough volunteer groups to serve a noon meal 5 days of the week, Mon-Fri. | | |
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Then the Pandemic reared its monster head. Could we Adapt?
Yes. We held fast to our mission statement to feed the hungry of Chickasha and stayed positive. Our volunteers masked up, our dining room closed and all meals were served in to go containers and handed out the side door. Prior to Covid, our clients could get seconds at 1 pm if there was food left. During Covid, each client was allowed a maximum of 4 meals ( they have lunch and dinner for themselves and extra meals to share with family or friends). We served an avgerage of 155 meals/day ( this number will vary with the time of the month).
That's our history from beginning to present. |
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Blessings Page Thank You Donors for your financial support! |
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Businesses and Organizations |
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Junior Social Workers Group
AEP/PSO
Chickasha Masonic Lodge
Simmons Bank
Shelter Insurance/Gerron Smith Inusurance Agency
Standridge Equipment
9th and Colorado Church of Christ
A & J Salsa
Camino Natural Resources
LLC; Denver CO
Lions Club
FCC DWF
Epworth United Methodist Church
First Christian Church
Escobar Charitable Foundation
Ferguson Funeral Home
First Baptist Church at First and Dakota Grady County OHCE
Here to Help and Painted Pistol
Liberty Drug |
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Metal Finishing of Chickasha Network for Good Ninnekah United Methodist Church
Sharon Baptist Church
Son Rise Baptist Church
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Steagall Oil
Union Pacific Railroad
Epworth United Methodist Women
Masons, Widow Son Lodge
Walmart And 69 Individuals! Businesses that support through discounts and labor
William's Foods
Ross Seed (fork lift assistance for all those pallets of bottled water)
Chicken Express
Shollies Sweets Bakery |
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The generous gifts of funds, food and labor have enabled us to feed individuals and families during a difficult economic time. Covid hit everyone hard but, especially, those already struggling. Through your generosity we were able to provide meals, smiles and some laughter to a group of people often left out. A little fellowship can be as important as food. We are grateful for your support. |
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In this Issue we'd like to highlight the fundraising chops of some of our youngest supporters. |
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On Oct. 18, 2019 the Alex Girl Scouts and their leaders served 26 Chili lunches at our first location, Resurrection House. They stayed busy welcoming all our clients and keeping the tables clean. |
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On Dec 23, 2020 Kelli VanNess's 1st grade class at AMPO donated Care Baskets to our clients. What a group of cheerful givers! Thank You |
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On July 11, 2021 Maddie set up her lemonade station on Alabama St. and raised $470.38 for the Chickasha Soup Kitchen. Thank You Maddie! and Thank You to cousins Bella and Michelle for keeping her company. |
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There are plenty of ways to give, as it says in 1 Corinthians 12, "There are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit."
We thank our youngest supporters for giving of their time and talents and for their big hearts. And we thank the parents, grandparents, family members, friends and teachers who encourage and inspire. |
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A look at the CSK Volunteers |
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Religious Groups
Gateway to Hope Church
Cross Roads Community Church
Epworth United Methodist Church
Bible Baptist Church
First Assembly of God Church
St Luke's Episcopal Church
First Christian Church
Ninnekah United Methodist Church
Holy Name Catholic Church
First Church of the Nazarene |
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Clubs and Businesses
Faithwalkers 4H
Stanley Systems
Mosley Real Estate Inc.
Cottonwood Skilled Nursing and Therapy (before pandemic)
Red Hat Ladies
And of course Volunteers At Large (those not affiliated with a group). |
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Stories From Those Who Serve |
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I didn't choose this ministry. I came because it was laid on my heart to do it. I've been serving 4 months. It's a good ministry and fills a lot of needs. This meal helps them pay bills. It fills a gap. Times are hard for a lot of people. Everyone has a story and you don't know where someone else is coming from but, if you can, take a few minutes to interact, to show kindness, compassion and to let them know they matter. Just an encouraging word can change someone's life...Even if I have to wear a mask I can smile with my eyes.
Debbie from Gateway to Hope Church |
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I came to this to help others. I've been serving 6 months. Christ says to treat others the way you'd want to be treated. I keep coming back to be a witness and testimony for Christ. Christ wants me to love others and to demonstrate his love to others. I haven't always been compassionate to people in need. Christ has matured me and I have learned about what people in need are all about. The SK is good fellowship, not just working together with my fellow brothers and sisters, loving and encouraging each other but, also, visiting and sharing with the people who come.
Danny B. from Bible Baptist Church |
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I came because our Ladies church group was doing it and I wanted to help. I've been serving 3 months. After the first time, it was exciting to come and help people. Serving those in need is close to my heart and knowing that they needed someone to serve them made me want to show up. I think there's a misconception about who's getting food. We assume the homeless. There are working people who come here but who don't make enough. One meal can make a difference to people who have an income. We don't question their circumstances. We are here to help.
Shawna D. from Chickasha First Assembly of God |
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Officers:
Gina Crosley: Moderator
Lynda Cantu: Vice-Moderator
Carolyn Spradlin: Secretary
Michael Oberlender: Treasurer
Members At Large:
Alva Charlson: Kitchen Management Committee
Steve Taylor: Communication Committee
Suzanne Jackson: Fundraising Committee
Gayle Chiles: Volunteer Coordinator
Glenna Laired
Joyce Stockton
Kirsten Spray
Pat Pool
Ally Reed
Don Rabine |
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The soup kitchen opened to in-person dining on Aug 2. It was so nice to get back to the family atmosphere. Now that clients can come in we can have more of a personal connection. Also, we can serve bigger portions and they can eat it while it's hot. But, we're still taking Covid precautions. Our volunteers continue to wear masks and sanitize tables and chairs, after each use, with a bleach solution. This has become our new normal, balancing a relaxed social setting while respecting the health and safety of our clients and volunteers. So far, the response has been positive.
Also, we added a picnic table to the outside. This has been popular with people who bring pets. |
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How You Can Give - Donate Online and click on the PayPal button-
- Donate Food or Supplies from our Wish List
- Designate us on Amazon Smiles!
- Become a partner in ministry to feeding those in need in the Chickasha and surrounding area.
Send your donation to Chickasha Soup Kitchen, PO Box 50, Chickasha, Ok 73023 Click the button below and donate through PayPal! | | |
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Want to volunteer or have a group that would like to volunteer? Let us know. Call 405-999-5761 or sign up through our website Add your text here. Edit to add dynamic values like name, email and more. |
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