The Fulton Kiwanis club volunteered for the first time at the Fulton Soup Kitchen Thursday evening.
After reaching out to different groups in the community the Kiwanis struck gold when Soup Kitchen President Lori Collins answered the phone.
The hours of operation for the Soup Kitchen changed when Collins stepped in as President back in January. She made it so that they were providing lunch and dinner Monday through Friday instead of the previous Monday through Thursday schedule. Because of this the Soup Kitchen's needs for volunteers and food donations have climbed, Collins said.
"When I put out the word, Fulton steps up and fills our needs," Collins said. "I have faith in that because it's totally based on the people of Fulton stepping up to help us out."
On a typical night the Soup Kitchen feeds between 35 and 75 people, however tonight they were expecting anywhere from 70 to 80 eaters, Collins said.
In addition to volunteering for two shifts, a preparation shift from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. and a serving/cleanup shift from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., members of the Kiwanis club also donated food and kitchen items using their own money to purchase the items, Kiwanis Treasurer Mary Martin said.
The first shift alone was able to donate more than 30 pounds of sausage, 20 pounds of fresh chicken, pasta items, canned goods, kitchen items, dessert items and fresh produce, Martin said.
"Every member of the Kiwanis club spent their own money to give to this," Martin added. "We're committed to Callaway County and making sure no one goes without."
Although this is the Kiwanis' first time volunteering with the Soup Kitchen the group has decided to return quarterly to volunteer.
"Working with Lori and her sister has shown us their dedication to the soup kitchen," Martin said. "We didn't realize there was such a need in Callaway and Fulton that wasn't being met. We don't want to let Lori do that by herself."
For more information about the Soup Kitchen or to volunteer, contact Lori Collins at (573) 220-4349.