It’s not cold yet. But the Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s Dorcas Circle is beating out Jack Frost by knitting about 60 different articles of clothing. From beige beanies to colorful scarves, the group will be passing the accessories out during interdenominational Christ Community Café’s free lunch this Friday.
Christ Community Café targets the homeless and those in need. Organizers hope the clothing items will bring a little Christmas cheer and protection from the cool air over the holidays.
“It gets chilly out there for some of our patrons,” Walter Kuck said.
“Patrons” — That’s exactly how Kuck and the other volunteers view those who seek their services. The patrons are greeted at a door with a name tag. They are then shown to their seat at one of the many round tables at the First United Methodist Church. Drinks are brought to them, as well as their meals, during a social period.
“This operation differs than most like it,” Kuck said. “There’s no food line. It’s like a high-class restaurant.”
Volunteers from five different churches participate, helping to feed about 60 to 70 patrons every week. During the holidays, the numbers grow to about 85. Patrons start to trickle in around 10:30 a.m.
During the meal, 15-minute prayer and reflection time is had along with a short devotional. Usually, Nancy Lambert, minister for Congregational Care and Programs at First United Methodist Church, or Julio Santana, of Bread of Life Ministries, will speak. Lunch is served until 12:30 p.m.
Patrons from throughout Plant City come to the café. Some have biked as far as seven miles. Others stroll a short walk from next door at Plant City Towers. But, not all patrons are homeless or in need.
“It’s one bright spot in their life,” Lambert said. “We serve not only the homeless and the needy — but the lonely, too. We don’t just meet a need for food. A lot of people need companionship. And that is probably more of a blessing for them.”
Three years ago, First United Methodist Church wanted to host a Thanksgiving meal for families in need. Volunteers gathered and roasted more than 20 turkeys and made enough side dishes and desserts to serve 200 people. On the day of the feast, only one family showed up.
But the spirit of giving was not lost.
Soon, a group of women from the church began to collect bagged lunches for those in need.
The idea for a weekly feeding began to bounce around in the circle.
Sheryl Kuck, who had helped out feeding the homeless for a Thanksgiving meal at the Stardust Dance Center, felt compelled to help launch weekly feedings at the church.
“Some of their stories are just so heart-breaking,” Sheryl said. “I did not realize.”
After inviting other churches to volunteer, the idea grew into Christ Community Café.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
HOW TO HELP
To donate to Christ Community Café, contact Nancy Lambert, the minister for Congregational Care and Programs at First United Methodist Church, at nancyfumc@tampabay.rr.com or call the church at (813) 754-3519.