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Organizers have grown increasingly concerned
as donations have dwindled over the last few years. "One
way or another, we'll serve less food or do something to keep
it open," said Mike Murdock, a volunteer since 1988. In
the past, he said, he has been reluctant to seek donations and
instead made up any difference himself. "It was easier
for me to write a check than hit up other people for money,"
he said. The volunteers have become more efficient, stretching
their funds to prepare a fresh salad, entree and bread every
week, as well as a sack lunch for guests to take with them,
he said. "We give people a ton of food, and it ends up
being only $2 a head," Murdock said. "We serve a nice
meal with dignity." He said he doesn't know why contributions
have dropped, but it could be because donors are helping with
other problems, such as Hurricane Katrina. Sisters of Christian
Charity in Wilmette remains one of the contributors that have
kept the program going, he said. Mary Gavin and several other
residents started providing the meals in 1983 as a respite for
people struggling to pay bills because "it seemed like
the right thing to do," she said. They chose Tuesdays because
it was convenient for volunteers with family obligations. The
first evening, only one person showed up for food, she said.
But the crowds grew so big that they had to serve supper in
the gym. Although the Tuesday tradition is still called Soup
at Six, volunteers usually begin serving at 4:30 p.m. "The
pastor said later that he thought we'd last three weeks,"
Gavin said. article
from here
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