Thursday, October 30, 2008

Increase in Service Requests

Service requests are up up up right now.

We've had a 100% increase in the number of domestic violence service requests. This is a scary thing, suggesting the more and more local families are struggling due to the economy and other factors, and bringing that stress home. Remember, families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.

That's not all. Our average lunches are now between 220 and 260 people...up from 140-160 last summer; breakfasts have been 100-140, up from 60-80.

People are in need and funds are low.

We need your help today more than ever!

Urgent Needs

We are desperately in need of large and extra large adult coats, blankets and grits.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Chattanooga Community Kitchen events November 15 through end of December 2008

1.) Sunday, November 23rd, Fast Day week begins. For nearly 20 years now, the Community Kitchen has requested that members of our Community fast for a day and donate what they would have spent on that day’s meals to support our work. The majority of the Community Kitchen’s operating funds are raised through the Fast Day campaign; although you don’t have to wait until Fast Day, you can make a donation any time. It’s worth giving up a meal!

2.) Monday, November 24th, 7:30pm, UTC’s Roland Hayes Auditorium, Beat Hunger. For more than 10 years, Dr. Monte Coulter and the UTC percussion ensemble have ushered in the Christmas Season by offering a percussion showcase to benefit the Community Kitchen. A $2 donation or two non-perishable food items get you in the door to one of the year’s most entertaining concerts. Come early if you’d like a seat!

3.) Tuesday, November 25th, Barn Nursery 4th Avenue, WMBW Drive-By Turkey Fry. Each year, WMBW (Moody Broadcasting), takes the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to promote the needs of the Community Kitchen. All day long they broadcast from the parking lot of the Barn Nursery, encouraging listeners to come by and donate frozen turkeys and hams as well as non-perishable food items. Monetary donations are also welcome. From 11am-1pm, anyone coming by will receive a free lunch of fried turkey sandwiches, chips and a drink. Be sure to come out and help us beat last year’s results of 625 turkeys and 7.8 tons of food!

4.) Thursday, November 27th, 8:30am Thanksgiving morning, beginning at Coolidge Park, Grateful Gobbler Walk through downtown Chattanooga. Bring your family downtown Thanksgiving morning and participate in a walk to benefit agencies serving the area’s homeless. This great event, sponsored by the Homeless Coalition, serves to promote awareness of homelessness while raising funds. Remember to designate the Community Kitchen as the beneficiary of your contribution! Call 756-4222 to learn more.

4.) Thursday November 27th, Thanksgiving Day, 10am-3pm (meal from 11am-1pm), First Tennessee Pavilion, 1826 Carter Street, Unity in the Community. For the second year in a row, the Community Kitchen is joining with the Salvation Army, Olivet Baptist Church, The City of Chattanooga, The Union Gospel Mission, and many other agencies and churches to celebrate Thanksgiving as a community. Instead of each agency serving a meal in a different location, we are all joining together in unity. Last year, over 600 volunteers assisted in making the event a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kathy Spangler at 756-4222.

5.) Christmas Day, as every other day of the year, the Community Kitchen will be open. A full, restaurant style meal will be served to an estimated 300-400 men, women and children. Those attending will receive gift bags after eating, with special gifts for children. This year, Santa Clause will even stop by for a visit! Those interested in volunteering should call as soon as possible, as spaces fill up quickly.