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The Salvation Army runs a program to provide free meals from its own kitchen at the Salvation Army Community
Center in downtown Framingham. They provide a main meal to all who come, six nights a week, and feed anywhere from
60 to over 100 people a night. For those who are unfamiliar with the Salvation Army, they are a Christian organization
dedicated to providing help and support for people in need. This help takes the form of physical help (providing
various items for those who demonstrate a need) and spiritual support. A church service is held at the center on
Sunday morning for those who may not want to attend an established church. The Salvation Army programs are run
efficiently and in a manner that helps people help themselves.
On the second Friday of the month, every two out of three months, our church sponsors a dinnertime meal at the
Salvation Army soup kitchen in Framingham. This has proven to be an excellent way that people can become involved
in a very rewarding mission. This activity is organized in such a way that there are many ways an individual can
participate, yielding a wide variety of opportunities.
First, all members of the congregation participate in this, whether they realize it or not! The church provides
financial support to the Salvation Army, as well as reimbursement for the cost of the food purchased for the
meals that we prepare. Second, all of the main courses are prepared beforehand and are collected
warm on the day of the meal, or refrigerated and dropped off at the church the day before. In this way, people
who cannot attend the dinner itself can fill a very important role in preparing the meal. Third, help is always
needed at the center to help prepare salads, set up the tables, and prepare side dishes and dessert. Preparation
begins at 4:30 p.m., but helpers can come after that time. There is always something to do. Fourth, for those people
who cannot leave work early or give a large chunk of time don't lose heart! The dinner is served at 6:00 p.m. sharp
after announcements and grace. The meal is served to the people at their seats, family style. This is when the
most help is needed, and lasts about 15 minutes, after which time you can leave. Fifth, after the meal is served
and consumed, we clean up the kitchen, clear the tables, vacuum the floor, and are on our way.
To have to go without food is truly unnecessary in this plentiful country that we live in. Providing meals for
people in need is easy, and unlike a lot of mission opportunities, the results are evident immediately in both
the giver and the recipient.
Please sign up to help by preparing, serving or cleaning.
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