The Lord’s Diner needs volunteers
Jan Nichols of Wichita slides a tray of salads into a rack Thursday, Dec. 19, at The Lord’s Diner in Wichita. Preparing salads behind her is her husband, Jim. (Advance photos)
Boomers aging out; young hands needed
Sarah Hoffman hopes more volunteers will soon step up to the plate.
Hoffman, the volunteer coordinator for The Lord’s Diner, said the excitement of serving the hungry that the ministry generated 18 years ago has waned.
“Many of the early volunteers were those who had just retired,” she said. “Now those volunteers are starting to age out and replacements have not emerged.”
Hoffman said the perception that The Lord’s Diner has plenty of help is diminishing inquiries. She hopes to change that.
“We have many opportunities,” she said. “We have a little bit of everything for everyone.”
Some volunteers arrive in the morning at the main Diner location, across from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, to help prep. “Whether it’s helping the cooks make the main dish, or cutting vegetables, or dividing desserts into portion sizes, or making salads, there are many ways to help.”
David Faber of St. Mark Parish, St. Mark, and Eliza Robles of the Cathedral parish, Wichita, cook ham and green beans.
Many ways to volunteer
The Diner has two brick and mortar locations in Wichita, one at 520 N. Broadway and one at 2825 S. Hillside in Wichita. The Lord’s Diner in Pittsburg is located at 406 N. Locust.
The Wichita Lord’s Diner also serves the hungry via trucks that visit three neighborhoods from 4 to 6 p.m. “Truck volunteers put food into containers that are given to those visiting,” Hoffman said.
She added that she would be happy to speak to anyone, young and old, who might be interested in helping to feed the hungry.
Want to volunteer at The Lord’s Diner?
Those interested in volunteering may contact their parish. Many parishes serve once a month. Or contact Hoffman at 316-266-4966 or [email protected].