On the second Saturday of each month, the Glade Run mission volunteers have the opportunity to help prepare and serve a complete dinner to some of our needy brothers and sisters at the First United Methodist Church in East Liberty. Our team meets in the Glade Run parking lot at 8:30 a.m. Transportation is provided either by the new church van (when available) or by personal vehicles.

   Sometimes Sysco, in Evans City, donates a quantity of food that we pick up at their shop and transfer to our vehicles. Occasionally, clothing is available from our church clothing bank and that is made available to the diners after dinner.

   When we arrive at the food kitchen, everyone assists in unloading whatever has been made available. Other food, such as bread and desert rolls, donated from other businesses and houses around East Liberty, is waiting to be sliced, placed in large bowls and on large trays. Vegies need to be washed, cut and prepared for cooking and salads.

   Ten tables are set up in the dining hall, and ten chairs are placed around each table. Generally there are approximately 60-100 meals served. After the meal, the diners are given a bag containing a loaf of bread or two and a dozen buns or rolls, in addition to any clothing, to take with them.

  Now comes the fun part: washing and drying whatever pots, pans, bowls, pitchers, trays, utensils, etc. that were used. When there is enough food, we stay and have lunch with Mr. Arnold Marshall, the Super Chef who keeps us all in line. He is one fine gentleman.

   Lastly the tables are taken down and stored and the chairs folded and stacked against the walls. We head for home and usually arrive at Glade Run sometime between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m.

   If you would like to participate with Glade Run's volunteers or need more information about the East Liberty Soup Kitchen, please contact Rich McCarthy by email or phone (724/352-7676).