Our Father's Table Soup Kitchen Volunteers
Dana Collins Uses Her Love of Cooking to Serve the Community
Our Father's Table Soup Kitchen Volunteers
Willie's Story
“Willie is our goodwill ambassador. He is our hero.” That’s how the folks at Our Father’s Table describe him.
Having delivered an estimated 350,000 meals to elderly and homebound Gifford residents since 1988, Willie has become somewhat of a legend in the community he has lived in all his life. Everyone recognizes him, and he knows every family.
Willie’s knock on the door and call of “Soup Kitchen” are welcome sounds for the people he visits, and his friendship and jokes provide a much-needed respite in the midst of loneliness and isolation. Recently, when Willie was home recuperating from some health issues, clients called the kitchen regularly to ask how Willie was doing and to say they missed him.
Each year at the Martin Luther King Day parade, Willie sits in the front seat of the Our Father’s Table van and waves to the crowds, who invariably break out into chants of “Wil-lie, Wil-lie”! Popularity is not necessarily a measure of success in volunteer endeavors, but in this case it is clear that the love received is the yield of love sown.
Big Heart Brigade Brings Thanksgiving Cheer to Our Father's Table
Indian River County Firefighters, aka The Big Heart Brigade, once again showed their generosity this Thanksgiving season by donating 20 turkeys to Our Father's Table Soup Kitchen.
This annual contribution ensures that many families in our community will have a traditional Thanksgiving meal, a symbol of warmth and togetherness, even during challenging times.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Big Heart Brigade for their continued support,” said Weasy Carmack, an Our Father’s Table Board member. "Their generous donation of turkeys makes a real difference in the lives of the individuals and families who rely on Our Father's Table for food assistance."
The Big Heart Brigade has a long history of supporting Our Father's Table, recognizing the crucial role the Our Father’s Table plays in addressing food insecurity in Indian River County.
Village Green Community Spreads Warmth with Angel Bags for Our Father’s Table Soup Kitchen
The Village Green Community, a senior living complex in Vero Beach, recently engaged in a heartwarming initiative to support Our Father’s Table Soup Kitchen, a local organization serving those in need in Gifford, Florida. Recognizing a need, the community organized a drive to supply personal items for Our Father’s Table homebound food delivery clients. Most of these clients are seniors with limited resources.
The response was overwhelming. Residents eagerly donated money and items. Villages Green’s community room was filled with activity as volunteers assembled the Angel Bags filling them with fresh citrus, personal items, and goodies. When all was done, over 100 Angel Bags had been filled. "It's been so gratifying to see the outpouring of generosity from our residents," shared Barbara O’Keefe, a Village Green Community resident and drive organizer.
In December, a delegation from the Village Green Community delivered the collected items to Our Father’s Table Soup Kitchen. The staff at the soup kitchen were incredibly grateful for the donation, expressing how these items would make a welcome gift for the elderly residents of Gifford.
"We are so touched by the generosity of the Village Green Community," said Lydia Forbes, President. "These items will bring comfort and enjoyment to our homebound clients, many who are struggling to make ends meet. It's truly a testament to the spirit of giving that exists in our community."
The Village Green Community's personal item drive is just one example of the many ways in which senior living communities can make a positive impact on their surroundings. The drive is also a valuable lesson for the residents of the Village Green Community. It has shown them the power of collective action and the importance of giving back to those in need. It has reminded them that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
The community's hope is that their actions will inspire others to get involved in their communities and make a difference in the lives of those around them.
We encourage everyone to consider how they can support their local charities. Even a small donation of time or money can make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling.
Our Father’s Table Soup Kitchen, a 501(c)3 charity, has been in operation since 1988 serving the hungry and needy of Indian River County. They currently serve a meal Monday through Friday from noon to 1:00pm at the Mt. Zion AME Church located at 4221 28th Avenue in Gifford, Florida. Our Father’s Table also delivers 90 meals, 6 days a week, to the homebound and elderly. In 2022, they served 34,464 meals.
Please consider supporting this worthy charity. Send donations to:
P.O. Box 6114, Vero Beach, Fl. 32961.
Phone: 772-562-6268 or 772-228-9845
For more information go to their website: