Hairstylist Barbara England of Siloam Springs knew she wanted to do some volunteer work.
So in September she started volunteering at Hunger and Thirst Ministries at 3298 E. Kenwood St.
The organization feeds people hot meals four days a week and provides food boxes twice a week. Those who come for meals range from young children to older adults. In March, 903 people were served there, England said.
Everyone who works there is a volunteer. The organization, which runs on donations, has about nine regular volunteers, and some put in eight-hour days.
Recently, England started raising money for a new building for the organization. So far, $10,000 has been raised.
"I'm not afraid to go into a business and say, 'Can you help us?'" England said. The need for a new facility came up when she was working in the kitchen.
She had started volunteering there by scrubbing pots and pans. She was speaking to the cook about a new kitchen, and she thought they could raise money for one. The hope is that the kitchen would have industrial appliances.
She took it another step, deciding to raise money for a new building. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible, England said. To donate, call England at 228-2005.
Not only is she trying to raise money for the organization, she also is trying to raise awareness for it, she said.
"I do feel like it's going to be growing," England said. "The need is definitely there."
On May 7, volunteers were handing out hot meals. The menu that day was spaghetti, cheesy bread and peas.
Before meals started being served at 11 a.m., volunteer Mary Kyle of Siloam Springs gave a blessing.
As people started to eat, Glenn Corbin played the harmonica, sounding out bluegrass gospel music. Corbin said he plays there the first Wednesday of every month. He said he also plays at the Senior Activity Center every Tuesday morning.
Kyle said she's been volunteering at the organization for a little more than a year. Since 2006, she's been a volunteer there three times. She's moved away, but when she returned to town she went back there to volunteer.
"I love it," Kyle said. "I love being with the people."
As a volunteer, she meets and greets people at the door. She's learning to speak Spanish and do sign language to communicate with people.
"I meet and greet a lot," Kyle said. She tries to make eye contact when people arrive and to make them feel at ease.
"When they come in they don't need to be intimidated or embarrassed," she said. "I pray with them if they want prayer."
She sometimes fills in when other volunteers are too busy to give the prayer before the meal is served. She also fills in if needed somewhere else.
"I don't do all of it," Kyle said. "I'm just a little part."
Volunteer Debbie Gehrke of Siloam Springs has been volunteering there for four years. She said she started there doing community service but "found out this is where I want to be."
"I get a lot of blessings from helping the people," Gehrke said.
She picks up donations from Walmart, including groceries, produce and bakery items. Gehrke works in the office and in the warehouse.
"I'm kind of like a butterfly," she said. "I love being here. We help a lot of people. We can help a bunch more, too."
Volunteer Janet LaMarr of Siloam Springs has been volunteering since the organization was downtown. She's followed it around as it moved. She organizes, rearranges and makes the clothing area look good.
"I think this is wonderful," LaMarr said. "The Lord teaches you to love everybody."
General News on 06/25/2014