Leechburg Area School District faculty and staff were treated to a free lunch Wednesday, thanks to a local church.
Volunteers from Leechburg First United Methodist Church prepared and delivered 120 lunches to the school faculty lounge. It’s part of a new outreach program, “Feeding Our Neighbors.”
Program coordinator Lori Klingensmith said providing local outreach is an ongoing priority for the church.
“We thought it would be nice to do this for our teachers and employees that have been working so hard for the students and community,” Klingensmith said.
Church volunteers said recent quarantine and covid-19 restrictions resulted in the canceling of routine outreach missions in downtown Pittsburgh.
“It’s exciting that we can get back to giving back, now with a focus locally,” said church volunteer JoEllen Stewart.
The church is enjoying more stable financial times, said the Rev. Beverly Spore, and this new ministry is all about keeping things close to home.
“This outreach grew out of going downtown, and our plan for ministry (now) is focusing on what we can do for our local area,” Spore said.
Dianne LeSueur, 72, has volunteered for more than 30 years.
“This is a part of our mission statement, to help and do for the community,” LeSueur said.
About 15 volunteers helped to make the turkey and cheese sandwiches that were served with chips and a drink.
“It’s generous and very much appreciated,” said English teacher Nicole Musto.
“I think it’s wonderful what this generous group of people are doing this for our community. Our school is very grateful for the support,” Superintendent Tiffany Nix said.
The program is paid for from church donations.
“Feeding Our Neighbors” will be a monthly event. Klingensmith said future plans include offering a once-a-month soup kitchen.
“We’re fortunate to have a very giving church,” Klingensmith said, “and we want to reach out more to our local community.”
