Here are Four Ways You Can Help My Brothers’ Table:
1. Donate Your Time
Contact Elizabeth Peacock our volunteer coordinator. peacock@pennswoods.net
Come spend a 90 minutes helping helping to serve.
Read “What it’s like to Volunteer at My Brothers Table” below to get an idea of what it’s like.
2. Donate Supplies
Contact Rev Koopmans for a shopping list, stxrevrod@aol.com
3. Donate Money
My Brother’s Table depends on the generosity of many people and organizations. We have no deep pockets or regular special funding sources. Every amount helps.
You can make an online donation to My Brother’s Table through the NetworkForGood.org website, a non-profit helping non-profits. Use their secure creditcard form and they will mail us a check.
Here is the direct link to our donation form at their website:
https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=660473501
You may also send a check to:
My Brother’s Table
RR01, Box 6125
Kingshill, VI 00850
4. Pray
Pray for those we help, and those who serve. Pray that God will provide all that we need. And then be an answer to that prayer!
“What it’s like to Volunteer
at My Brothers Table”
by Neil MacQueen
In 2009 I started volunteering monthly and filling-in as needed at My Brothers Table. I arrive at about 11:40 am …parking out front and walking through the gate on the left side of the house (as you face it) and entering the side door into the kitchen where Rose and Hyacinth never fail to give a warm Crucian greeting. I’m dressed in shorts and a comfy t-shirt because the kitchen is warm and the gravy and koolaid will soon be flying.
After getting the chairs off the tables, I’ll set up the drinkbar with cups and koolaid, and make sure the silverware and napkin basket is filled. By then, there’s usually a tub of salad to dish onto small plates. After that, I’ll wander into the kitchen to help assemble 40+ plates of food on trays as we prepare to open the doors. Usually there’s another volunteer helping to do all these things, but I like to join the assembly line slinging big heapings of rice at the stove. Nobody leaves My Brothers Table hungry.
At 12:15 the doors open and about 30 to 40 folks come in over the course of the next 45 minutes. One volunteer greets them and serves drinks, the other brings out plates of food. Service begins with grace, usually offered by Pastor Rod, or a volunteer. As things slow down, it’s always nice to start up a conversation, and maybe even grab a plate and sit with someone. They appreciate that, and so do I.
The people who come to My Brothers Table are mostly adults. Some are the working poor, some are retired or disabled. For many, this is their one hot nutritious meal of the day. I’ve worked in big city soup kitchens, and can tell you that those we serve on Queens Cross Street are the most polite. I’ve never felt stressed or unsafe.
Around 1:00 the doors close and we begin wiping trays, refilling drink jugs, and putting things back in place. One of the staffers wipes down the tables and takes care of the floor. By 1:15 I’m usually saying my good-byes and looking forward to returning again soon.
