Community Kitchen very successful

One of the most successful volunteer programs in Columbia Falls is possibly one of the least known. It also probably serves more families and individuals than any other organization, excluding the Food Pantry.

I learned more about Columbia Falls Community Kitchen while visiting with Marian Ficek. She has been a dedicated, enthusiastic volunteer for the past eight years.

Dinners are served the last four days of each month at St. Richard's Catholic Church. Serving of the nutritious meals begins promptly at 6 o'clock each evening. Volunteers preparing and serving the meals have no idea how many guests to expect. Marian laughed and commented there is always enough food and they have never run out. There is no charge for the meals. Donations are accepted but not expected.

Evenings also provide a social time for participants. Families are welcome and encouraged to attend. Diners include children through senior citizen ages. Reservations are not required.

Columbia Falls Community Kitchen was started 16 years ago through efforts of Sister Lorraine. Those helping included Marge Schwede.

It is stressed that Columbia Falls Community Kitchen is strictly a non-denomination endeavor.

Volunteers are grateful to use kitchen facilities and dining room at St. Richard's Catholic Church.

Report for the year showed that an average of 67 people are served meals each of the four nights. My math shows this amounts to 268 meals per month or a grand total of 3,216 for the year. Mind boggling.

This is amazing as Columbia Falls Community Kitchen is possible due completely to monetary and food donations and work by volunteers. They include representatives of a variety of organizations, churches and individuals. These men, women and youths donate hundreds of hours with planning, food preparation, serving and cleanup duties involved.

I thought it interesting that arrangements have been made for youths to work mandatory community hours those evenings. They do work and learn. It is not a play time.

Monetary contributions are received from churches, individuals and organizations from throughout the valley. I did not attempt to name donors as there are too many to mention. I did want to mention Columbia Falls Food Pantry and North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish for their support.

Application for a grant from the Diocese of Helena is filed and has been approved annually. The $ 1,000 is for one year.

Board members are Marian Ficek and Tina Gordon-Mohan, who serve as co-chairwomen; Janet Babcock; Margaret Burns; Corky Newton; and Sean Thompson.

One of the prime needs for Columbia Falls Community Kitchen is a new stove. Hopes are to obtain a six-burner electric range with a double oven. Several avenues have been approached without success. Some remodeling in the kitchen is also on the agenda.

Individuals willing to serve as board members are invited to contact any current board member

There is no pay, few board meetings annually, lots of volunteer hours available with no experience necessary.

Marian summed up her feelings for hours spent at Columbia Falls Community Kitchen as gratifying, hard work, and she would not do it if it was not close to her heart.

I feel she speaks for others whether donating time, food or money.

It's emphasized that all community members are invited to enjoy dinners the last four days of every month. Their attendance helps make Columbia Falls Community Kitchen possible.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News