By SKOM—
MUNCIE, Ind.—Lent is almost here. Do you really want to give up chocolate, meat, soda or wine for 40 days this spring?
For observant Christians, foregoing something you love is a challenge meant to remind you of the sacrifices Jesus made.
But, this year, there’s a guilt-free way to observe Lent that allows you to continue indulging.
Instead of giving something up, the Soup Kitchen of Muncie is asking you to give something away during its 40 Days of Giving Food Drive, March 2nd to April 14th.
People can participate in the daily food drive as an individual or as a group. You can also give food or money to the Soup Kitchen of Muncie (SKOM), according to executive director Loretta Parsons.
Generosity and sacrifice are universal values that unite every faith community and cultures across the world, and all are invited to participate, regardless of whether you observe Lent or not.
“This is for everyone,” Parsons said.
With food prices going up, donations will have an especially important impact this year, according to Parsons. There are people in our community who depend on the Soup Kitchen, and donors can help make certain that they receive a hot meal each day, regardless of inflation.
“We are all feeling the pinch and it is getting worse,” Parsons said. “We are all facing items being out of stock, with supply chain issues rising. If there is any way you can spare one item each day for 40 days, that would benefit the soup kitchen, whether it is from our wish list or a monetary donation, we would appreciate your efforts.”
How to Participate
There are two ways to participate:
- Collect items from the Wish List. Set up a donation box in your home, office or place of worship. Add one item to the wish list per day for the 40 days. Deliver the items during designated drop off times at the end of Lent.
- Pledge a daily donation. Pledge a dollar amount each day for 40 days. Any amount is appreciated! Submit online at soupkitchenofmuncie.org/donate, or write a check payable to the Soup Kitchen of Muncie, P.O Box 68, Muncie IN, 47308.
Wish List
The wish list is as follows: gift cards to local grocery stores; individual packets of salad dressing, hot sauce, and ketchup; bottled water; cans or cartons of broth; large cans of cream soups; dry pasta-egg noodles or macaroni; spaghetti sauce; cans of green beans, corn, mixed veggies, and navy or white beans; dry onion soup mix; salt; cornbread mix; vegetable oil; vinegar (white or apple cider); individual packaged snacks; tuna pouches; napkins; paper lunch bags; and paper towels.
Designated Drop-Off Times
- Saturday, April 16: 9 a.m. to noon, at the Soup Kitchen of Muncie, 920 E. Charles St.
- Thursday, April 21: 1 to 4 p.m., at the Soup Kitchen of Muncie, 920 E. Charles St.
About the Soup Kitchen of Muncie
The Soup Kitchen of Muncie is a non-profit, non-sectarian soup kitchen that serves those in need of food in Muncie, Indiana and the Delaware County Community. It serves all who are hungry with dignity and respect. Guests receive a hot meal and also a sack dinner.
It serves meals Monday through Friday 9:30 to 11 a.m.
