JUBILEE KITCHEN |
Danville’s soup kitchen began in 1993 @ Mahoning Presbyterian Church.
It was born from an idea of Mr. Howard Huntington who was a member of
the food bank board of directors. He called on Sandy O’Rourke, then co-
chairman of the food bank, who took his idea to the Danville Riverside
Area Ministerium Association. Mr. Huntington passed away before he
could see his idea come to fruition. After study and discussion from area
churches and interested people, the first meal was served in November,
1993 serving 3 patrons. Mahoning Presbyterian Church was chosen
because of its central location. In the past 15 years it has grown from bi-
monthly to weekly and serves anywhere from 35 to 65 people each
Saturday for lunch.
The Jubilee Kitchen offers a simple, free lunch for individuals or families of
all ages September through June between the hours of 11 AM and 12:30
PM. The dining hall doors open at 9 AM for coffee, doughnuts, donated by
Dunkin Donuts and socialization. Bread goods and pastries are made
available through the generosity of our 2 local grocery stores, Weis and
Giant, for take home at the end of the meal.
The Kitchen is an ecumenical organization; therefore all sponsoring
churches and organizations are to refrain from distributing any self
promoting materials during the Kitchen’s hours of operation. There is a
Board of Directors who oversees the operation of the Jubilee Kitchen.
Linda Pritchard is the director, Nancy Styer is the treasurer and Maxine
Rodenhaver is the secretary. There are 7 more members who assist in
making decisions as the need arises.
Volunteers are sought by Mrs. Pritchard to prepare and serve each
Saturday’s lunch. These groups can be church, community, business,
family, scouts, school, club or friends interested in helping others in need
of a good meal and fellowship. Each group accepts financial responsibility
for their expenses incurred. The Jubilee Kitchen supplies paper ware
(plates, bowls, cups, napkins, table service, garbage bags, paper towels,
coffee and condiments). We have use of the churches stoves and ovens, a
refrigerator and a handicapped restroom. There is a corner of the room set
up for children’s activities such coloring, drawing, checkers, dominoes and
similar activities. There are facilities for diaper changing as well as well as
a playpen.
The Kitchen is funded by various churches mission programs as well as
private individuals and groups who wish to donate. If you would like to
make a contribution, make your check out to Jubilee Kitchen and send to
Nancy Styer, 624 Columbia Hill Road, Danville, PA 17821 or to Mahoning
Presbyterian Church, 106 E. Mahoning St., Danville, PA, 17821; attn.
Jubilee Kitchen.
We serve an annual Thanksgiving Day dinner the Saturday before
Thanksgiving. We also have a Christmas Party every year, with a special
meal, carol singing, and gifts and if we’ve been very, very good, Santa
Clause visits us. In the spring, we hold an Easter egg hunt for the children
who are twelve and under.
If you have an interest in becoming involved in your community or would
like to “lend a helping hand”, come visit us on a Saturday morning. You
can also contact Linda Pritchard @ 271-1260 for more information.
Some of the smoker's group take time for a quick picture on a sunny Saturday. |
Some of the children at play in the "Kids Corner" |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Mahoning Presbyterian Church
Danville, PA
Our schedule is full for the remainder of 2010. We have 8 openings Jan. through May of 2011. As groups come in to serve in the fall, they don't always sign up for the spring, so stop in and see if are able to fill in for one of our openings. You will find us one big happy family! We are serving close to 60 people now. |