WINDSOR — Have you been to Rachel’s Kitchen?
The eatery, at Rachel S. Harlow United Methodist Church, has been providing breakfast to community members from 7-10 a.m. on weekdays for three years.
And it’s all free.
In an effort to help the organization continue to thrive, there will be a spaghetti supper fundraiser from 5-6:30 p.m. on Saturday at the church, which is located at 165 Main St., in downtown Windsor.
The meal costs $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and $3 for children under 3. Musical act Bill Brink and Friends will perform at the supper.
The organization relies on grant funding and donations to operate. Last June, Rachel’s Kitchen — which serves at least 10 people per day — closed for two weeks because volunteers were paying out of pocket for most of the expenses, said Barbara Loyer, a member of the church who is one of the organizers alongside Pastor Earl Dionne.
Fortunately, Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center stepped in to help.
“We say keep the faith and something comes in,” Loyer said.
Rachel’s Kitchen draws people from all walks of life, from school children to senior citizens.
“It’s a place where they can eat and chitchat,” Loyer said.
The meal includes coffee, juice, cereal, yogurt and homemade muffins, which Loyer often bakes.
In the summer, children involved in Windor’s recreation program would often stop by.
“You get 30 some odd kids coming for breakfast,” Loyer said.
The number of children attending increases during school breaks.
“During the winter on school vacations, I would try to make pancakes maybe one day,” Loyer said. “They don’t have breakfast if they don’t go to school.”
Attendance also increases toward the end of each month.
“At the beginning of the month, you don’t get as many because the food stamps come in,” Loyer said.
Like many area nonprofit organizations, Rachel’s Kitchen is always on the lookout for volunteers.
“There’s always a need,” Loyer said.
Volunteers help make coffee and replenish food as it runs low.
Rachel’s Kitchen is also looking to address other needs in the community. Organizers would like to establish a senior center in Windsor, which does not have one.
“We’re working slowly but surely to that,” Loyer said.
There’s also talk of starting a warming shelter.
“We couldn’t do overnight but there’s talk about being open on a real cold day,” Loyer said.
So now that you’ve heard of Rachel’s Kitchen and the work they’re doing in Windsor, consider attending their spaghetti supper or becoming a volunteer.
Editor’s note: For more information about donating to or volunteering at Rachel’s Kitchen, call 802-674-3443 or 802-738-9399. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
