The Warm Welcome Kitchen is back in full swing this season, offering meals and fellowship to those in need. Operating every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Giles Anglican Church, the kitchen has become a hub for local residents to come together, share a meal, and stretch their grocery budgets a little further.
Donna McGillicky, kitchen coordinator for the Warm Welcome Kitchen, said the program is designed to support the community.
“People come in for the fellowship. We have seniors that come and they get together and visit,” she said.
For many, the Warm Welcome Kitchen provides not just food, but also a sense of connection and belonging, especially for seniors who benefit from the social aspect as much as the meal itself.
However, McGillicky emphasized the need for more volunteers to keep the kitchen running smoothly. While a few regular volunteers are already committed, she said more hands are needed.
“We need at least four people to pull this off between the preparation, serving, and cleanup,” McGillicky explained. Ideally, she would like to build a team of six volunteers who can be counted on to assist every week. “I have two that come regularly — one every Tuesday and the other every Thursday — but we really need a few more.”
Volunteers are asked to commit a few hours of their time, arriving around 4:30 p.m. and staying until 7 p.m. to help with all aspects of the kitchen’s operations.
In addition to volunteers, the Warm Welcome Kitchen is supported by community donations. Recently, a couple donated 100 pounds of potatoes, and other residents contribute garden produce and eggs to help keep the kitchen stocked.
McGillicky noted these donations help reduce costs and ensure a variety of nutritious meals can be served.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Regular attendees return week after week, enjoying the camaraderie, and new faces are beginning to join as word spreads about the program.
As the Warm Welcome Kitchen looks ahead, it remains dedicated to supporting the community, not just through meals, but also by fostering a space for connection and care. Those interested in volunteering or donating can contact McGillicky at 306-471-8892.