Souper Bowl of Caring hits goal to help needy

By Linda m. Linonis

Youth at area churches collect canned foods and money to help those in need.

Even in this economy, millions were spent on food, lodging, tickets and fan memorabilia by those who attended Sunday’s Super Bowl. Millions more sports fans watched at their homes and at taverns and spent money on snacks and beverages.

But for those who struggle daily to have food to survive, Super Bowl Sunday represents a day that divides the haves and the have nots.

That’s where the Souper Bowl of Caring comes in. Area churches participated in the event, which focuses on collection of nonperishable food items and monetary donations to benefit food pantries.

The Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990 by the youth group at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C. The project now is nationwide and involves many denominations. So far, the national project (see www.souperbowl.org) has raised $50 million for charities across the nation. Last year, $10,265,845 was raised by 14,492 groups. All money and canned goods collected benefits the local area. Local groups involved will report their collections.

Emmanuel Community Care Center in Girard benefits from the collection by the youth group at Girard United Methodist Church. “The canned-food collection is a huge help. It goes to our food pantry,” said Sister Jean Orsuto, executive director.

Sister Jean said Girard UMC has “unfailingly helped us.” She noted that “youth learning to help out” reflects the example of adults in the congregation who are good role models. “I think when you become aware of the situation of need as a young person, it carries into adulthood and is part of your faith to want to help those in need,” she said.

The center, which distributes a five-day supply of food every 30 days to eligible recipients, also buys food from Second Harvest Food Bank. “Donations are a big help,” Sister Jean said of canned goods and money.

The youth at First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge challenged the congregation to think of others on “Souper Bowl” Sunday. Last year, the collection totaled 927 nonperishable items. The food stocks the Community Food Cupboard housed at the church.

Youth also gathered monetary donations. Last year, $513 was collected from the congregation and an anonymous donor matched it. A check for $1,026 went to Niles Community Services.

The Rev. Mark Phillips, pastor, said the Community Food Cupboard has been at the church for at least 20 years. “Eight years ago, we had about 20 families getting food regularly,” he said. “Now we have 45 families on the list.”

The Rev. Mr. Phillips said the cupboard is a combined effort of area churches. “We provide emergency food,” he said. At Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, there are larger distributions.

Mr. Phillips serves as chairman of the board of Niles Community Services, which serves residents of Niles, Weathersfield and the McDonald area. “We provide a number of services, including food and utility assistance, housing, clothing and medicine,” Mr. Phillips said.

He noted that when he became pastor at First Presbyterian about 15 years ago, he became involved with Niles Community Services, which was serving about 70 families. He said the number now fluctuates between 400 and 500 families, accounting for some 1,000 people.

Niles Community Services is funded in part by the United Way, contributions from individuals and some grants. “Any extra that we get helps,” he said, referring to the Souper Bowl of Caring contributions.

Priscilla Hays, youth group coordinator at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Youngstown, said collection of food and monetary donations was planned after services Sunday. “It’s a boost for the Red Door Cafe at the church,” she said. The cafe serves a free lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Sundays.

“The donations we get from the Souper Bowl of Caring go to buy food for the cafe,” Hays said. She said the cafe attracts about 100 people every Sunday. “Before, if the weather was bad, attendance dropped off. Now, people are still coming despite bad weather.”

The Rev. Joyce Lawson, pastor of Mahoning United Methodist Church in Youngstown, said the collection of mostly canned soups will boost the inventory at the church food pantry. “Whatever we get in, we give out,” she said, and noted that the need is greater than ever. “We’re seeing more people who have lost their jobs and more elderly.”

The Rev. Mrs. Lawson said Love in Action is the outreach ministry that supports the food pantry. The pantry serves those in need in the 44509 ZIP code area.

Protestant Family Service in Youngstown benefits from the collection at First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown. “The donation of canned goods and money helps our food pantry,” said Jacqueline Burley, executive director. “We’re in a partnership with the church. We’re the vessel that the donations pour into and pour out of,” Burley said. She noted PFS also is experiencing more requests for help.