Guest Blogger – Amelia Klein – Marketing & Communication Specialist
My position at The Rescue Mission can most easily be summed up as “Story Teller”. Staying in touch with what is happening at our various locations, and sharing these stories with our community of supporters, is both a challenge and a privilege.
To research an article for our February newsletter, I spent the evening of January 24th at the Saturday Night Feed, which is held weekly at our Downtown Tacoma Campus, Good Neighbor Café.
I was truly impressed by the team of volunteers; they come in every Saturday to feed struggling community members who are in need of a warm meal. These volunteers, who looked to be anywhere from 14 to 70 years old, bring the food and manpower needed to serve more than 300 meals in just over an hour. Though they come from several area churches, they are driven by a common vision; to share the love of Jesus with hurting people in simple, practical ways.
When I arrived, a compassionate woman named Sherry, who could put anyone at ease, welcomed me and provided an informal tour. Some volunteers were serving hot-dogs, others burgers, Korean stir-fry, tasty desserts, or bagged sandwiches. There was even a band, called Streetlight, performing. Each group is part of a rotating schedule, coming in to serve on a regular basis.
The individual volunteers’ stories were striking. I spoke with a man named James who was homeless himself only months ago; he now serves alongside those who once served him. Brad spoke of his experience with foreign mission work, and his conviction to meet those same needs in his own backyard.
I was astounded to learn that some volunteers have been part of the Saturday Night Feed for nearly 15 years, since it started under the 705 bridge overpass. In recent years, a mutually beneficial partnership brought the Feed indoors at The Rescue Mission. Even more impressive, there is also a Friday Night Feed coordinated by volunteers. For the Rescue Mission, this saves resources and gives staff a needed break, while guaranteeing that anyone can still receive a warm, healthy meal at the Good Neighbor Café on Friday and Saturday nights.
Inspiring and grateful are the words that come to mind when I reflect on my visit to the Saturday Night Feed. I was inspired and challenged to consider what I could do to serve those in need in our community. To the Friday and Saturday Night Feed volunteers, I wish to extend my gratitude; your service powerfully demonstrates that humble, persevering love makes a difference for those in need.
- To view the February Newsletter in which the original SNF article ran – click here.
- Visit our Volunteer Hub to learn about Rescue Mission volunteer opportunities.
- You can provide a meal for as little as $2.42 – visit our Donation Page to learn how.