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Local church gets into fast food business
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Western Reserve United Methodist Church member Jeannie Filmer (left) delivers two packaged meals to a customer during the churches drive-thru chicken dinner sale. The monthly dinner was established in November.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Members of the Western Reserve United Methodist Church, in Canfield, volunteerd to help with the church's drive-thru chicken dinner fundraiser Sept. 2. The church distributed more than 100 dinners.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Jo Ann Traux (left) and Kaye Russo were in charge of taking money for the Western Reserve United Methodist's drive-thru chicken dinner sale Sept. 2. Dinners were $7 a piece.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Since the opening of America’s first fast food restaurant in 1916, the idea of a meal being delivered to your car window has become an everyday part of life.
The Western Reserve United Methodist Church is keeping up with this tradition, but instead of serving burgers and fries, they serve home-cooked meals. Volunteers from the church get together each a month to prepare food for their monthly drive-through chicken dinner sale.
On the day of the sale, cars are directed around the church where they are met by a greeter who takes their order and money. The meals are made as each order is placed to ensure a hot, home-cooked meal.
The chicken diner drive-through Sept. 2 began at 4 p.m., but some customers arrived early to ensure their order would be filled. Ruth Poling, of Cornersburg, was first in line for the dinner. She bought five dinners to take to close friends who are unable to leave their home due to illness. She found out about the church’s drive-through from her neighbor.
“This is my first time coming through here,” Poling said. “I think it is great to be able to get a full and healthy meal delivered to your car.”
The chicken dinners consisted of stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans and a brownie for dessert. Each meal box had a label, including a Bible verse and church service information for those who may want to attend Sunday worship service.
The idea for the fundraiser was coined by church member Jeannie Filmer. She began to brainstorm fundraising ideas when she noticed the church’s funds were beginning to dwindle.
After much consideration and planning, she took her idea of the drive-through dinner sale to Pastor Russ Adams. The monthly drive-through began in November and seems to be going strong.
“I had no idea it would turn out to be such a success,” Filmer said. “Everyone in the church really comes together and works as a team.”
Since November, more than $6,000 has been raised through the dinner sales, all of which has been donated to the church’s general fund.
Dinners are $7 a piece and the drive-through is open the first Thursday of each month beginning at 4 p.m. The next opportunity to visit the drive-through will be Oct. 4.
“We want everyone to come out and enjoy our good cooking,” Filmer said.