INSIGHT Magazine December 2018 | Page 11

seeing that in other places.” Dorsey says the Soup Bowl always need donations, and so far the support has been overwhelming. “There are so many people in Anniston that actually know about the Soup Bowl from a donation perspective and they come. It’s actually a community effort to take care of people that are hungry.” people you develop relationships with, and there are some very, very good people that come here.” Walking into Anniston Soup Bowl there’s a feeling of acceptance and family. Familiar faces saying hello and thank-yous passed all around. White says visitors at the Soup Bowl “are so very grateful to be able to come in.” Volunteering at Anniston Soup Bowl is easy, and there are several ways to help. From donating money or food to volunteering your time. Dorsey is appreciative of every type of donation. The Soup Bowl is open from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm Monday through Friday. “We need volunteers and can use volunteers to pre- pare the meal for the day, to help wash the dishes from the day, and to help clean the dining hall,” Dorsey explains. “Some of those things are time specific, but whenever people want to come they can come.” As volunteers, Milton and White help with If you want to get involved, contact Annis- all sorts of tasks. “My duties are to assist the ton Soup Bowl at 256-236-6794. ✽ people that are handicapped or have small children,” Milton Total People Experiencing Homelessness in 2017 says. “And to refill the cups and to clean the area when they’re finished so that other people can come in and be seated in a clean area.” “I think part of our duties, too, is to always greet them with a smile and always express kind- ness and to begin to know their names,” White adds. “To just talk with them about how their week is going. So much of the time that kindness extend- ed is what will make their day because sometimes they’re not INSIGHT United States Interagency Council on Homelessness December 2018 11