https://staging.triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/free-lunch-outreach-gains-momentum-in-arnold/
Free lunch outreach gains momentum in Arnold
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming at a free monthly luncheon in Arnold.
Hosted by Real Life Church, Pastor Bill Richardson and a group of volunteers started organizing a monthly lunch and clothing and toiletries outreach for the public about a year ago.
The effort is called SOUP — Serving Others in Unity and Purpose.
“We offer different meals, offer a free pantry, blankets, coats and more,” Richardson said.
The lunches are held once a month and attract about 150 diners each Saturday. They will increase to twice a month during the summer months.
Joyce Hanz | TribLive Real Life Church volunteer Bob Twidwell (center) shares a laugh with Michelle Hickenbottom (right) of New Kensington as Hickenbottom’s grandchildren, Marissa Piccolo (left) of Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood and Eric Confer of Kiski Township, look on Saturday in the church hall.“It’s just part of reaching out and helping people,” Richardson said. “We get people from Tarentum, New Ken and Arnold.”
Todd Hutchison of Arnold frequently enjoys the free meal and fellowship. He praised people who volunteer their time and effort.
“The people are friendly and outgoing,” Hutchison said.
About 20 SOUP volunteers make it all happen.
“We’ve been doing this about a year, and it’s going well,” Richardson said.
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