December 11, 2013 at 4:25 p.m.
'Meals for the Hungry' celebrates milestone
'Meals for the Hungry' celebrates milestone
All of this can be found at "Meals for the Hungry" which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this month.
The weekly meal, served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. each and every Friday, develops its menu according to the imaginations of its dedicated volunteers and the generosity of those in the community who contribute financial support and donations of home-baked food, non-perishables, seasonal food and/or their time in the kitchen or on the cleaning crew.
The "Meals for the Hungry" idea started with Cher and Lynn Laakso and Doreen Halverson who asked the Rhinelander Church of Christ if it would provide a space for food preparation and serving. The church said yes and with the help of Mary and Larry Monk, two of the charter volunteers, the program has been going every Friday. In 2011, Mary Monk received the Jefferson Award for public service presented by Marshfield Clinic and WAOW TV-9 in Wausau for her constant dedication to serving at nearly every "Meals" event for all five years.
Originally, "Meals for the Hungry" was served at the Hope Center on Davenport Street, but in 2012 the church moved to its new location at 1103 Thayer Street, the old senior citizen center next to Hodag Park. "Meals" now serves its tasty fare there, along with laughter, friendship, and prayers.
In the last five years approximately 12,000 meals have been served. "Meals for the Hungry" has had help from many in the community: businesses who kindly display donation containers, other community organizations and churches who have donated money, food and equipment and the many people who drop in and volunteer.
This Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m., during and after the meal, there will be Christmas carols sung.
To volunteer in any capacity with the "Meals for the Hungry" group, call Mary Monk at (715) 360-5265 or Mike Beske at (715) 362-3956.
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