Cornerstone Community Kitchen (CCK) would like to thank the volunteers who help serve more than 80 hot meals on Wednesdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Princeton United Methodist Church, on the corner of Nassau and Vandeventer. Launched in June, 2012, in partnership with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, it serves hot meals every Wednesday, even on holidays. Everyone is welcome; no questions are asked.
CCK has grown from three dozen volunteers from PUMC to more than 150 volunteers from the community. The CCK is truly an interfaith, community-wide effort. Boys and girls volunteer at CCK as part of their community service to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and this led to a partnership with the Jewish Center of Princeton (TJC). PUMC’s kitchen has closed for remodeling, so food preparation is taking place at the Jewish Center’s kitchen. When an oven at TJC broke down, PUMC was able to donate its used 10-burner stove to TJC. Saint Paul’s Church also lends its kitchen.
In addition to congregants from PUMC and TJC, CCK has welcomed volunteers and support from St. Paul’s and Queenship of Mary Roman Catholic churches, Congregation Beth Chaim, Princeton Friends Meeting, Princeton University, Girl Scout troops, and the Historical Society of Princeton. Panera and the Bagel Hole regularly donate baked goods, and Zorba’s Brother and the Rocky Hill Inn have provided entire meals. Special thanks to the Princeton Police department, which brought more than 1,000 pounds of warm clothing donated to its annual coat drive.
Both guests and volunteers come for a variety of reasons, be it need-based, for companionship, or the feeling of camaraderie. Friendships have formed as many volunteers and guests are regulars. Guests sit at tables decorated with centerpieces, are served by volunteers, and are entertained by a pianist. The relaxed atmosphere invites lively conversation. Besides the dinner meal (hot entree and vegetables with salad, fruit, and dessert) bagels, sandwiches, children’s breakfast bags, and gently used clothing are available for guests to take home.
Consistency is important, and CCK will serve on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and even on Christmas Day, which falls on a Wednesday this year. With the great outpouring of community help, the Cornerstone team is excited about what lies ahead.
For more information about CCK or to get involved, please E-mail cck@princetonumc.org or, on Facebook, at Cornerstone Community Kitchen or call 609-924-2613.
Rev. Jana Purkis-Brash,
Larry Apperson, Beth Zeitler,
Princeton United Methodist Church
Dennis Micai
Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
Jeanette Timmons
The Jewish Center
