WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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The holidays are a special time of the year when family members come together to be thankful for each other and share meals and gifts. Rasha Kamhawi went to the Community Kitchen to report on how it is gearing up for the holidays.
Tim Clougher is the Assistant Director of the kitchen. He says the kitchen has been serving hot food for anyone who needs it free of charge for over 35 years.
Clougher says the only difference between regular days and the holidays is a recognition that patrons of the kitchen may be under more stress than usual.
At the Rogers Street location, patrons are served a hot meal, cafeteria-style. The kitchen’s operation also includes packed meals for children and seniors.
Clougher has been overseeing operations at the kitchen for over 15 years. Over the years, he has a few stories to share about the gratification his position provides.
The kitchen is predominantly supported by individual donations. About 70 percent of the kitchen’s support comes from the community in the form of direct donations.
There are about 70-90 volunteers who come in during any week. They serve one shift during the day, while others work in food delivery. One volunteer, Lee Cohn, has been serving in the kitchen every Monday for the past 28 years. He says he recognizes regular patrons on a first-name basis who have been coming to Community Kitchen for decades.
