This was my first experience in a NYC soup kitchen, honestly I expected to be slopping mush on people’s plates. I was entirely wrong. The entire operation, which feeds over 250 hungry mouths, flowed effortlessly. Even a little hiccup as the dishwasher being down for the day didn’t interfere, paper goods were quickly brought out. The most impressive part, to me, was the clear care each volunteer put into being there. Each table had one or two volunteers who act as wait staff to serve coffee, tea and the prepared hot meal for the day. (Baked ziti this week)
My expectations were to see a lot of sorrow faces, however everyone was happy and truly grateful. We joked around and talked about the Giant’s big Superbowl win, all as I refilled coffee and tea. Each person I spoke with had a unique story of their own. I left the building feeling completely satisfied, knowing that I not only made someone’s day, but they also made mine. As I walked out, I passed by a man who had sat at my table. Through the smile he gave me, I was certain that he would be comfortably fed for at least another day. This alone my small effort seem effortless.
