Members of Chattanooga Red Wolves SC gave back to the community on Wednesday, May 29, as they served food at Chattanooga Community Kitchen.
The Red Wolves served dinner and interacted with upwards of 150 people from the Chattanooga community who visit the Community Kitchen for a hot meal and a place to rest.
“It’s always nice to help out and be a part of Chattanooga,” said goalkeeper Will Dieterich. “Most of us are new to the city, so it’s nice to get out here and give back in anyway that we can.”
The Red Wolves served guests by feeding them plenty of food, including macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, bread, and handing out water bottles and Little Debbie’s for dessert.
The Community Kitchen opened in 1982 with the purpose of meeting the needs of the growing homeless population in Chattanooga. Now, the organization serves three meals every day—365 days a year.
Over time, the Community Kitchen has evolved to provide more than just food, however. People in need in the community can come to take a shower, do laundry and sit and rest. They are given everyday items such as toothbrushes, soap, plastic bags and much more. Those served can also receive assistance finding jobs, getting enrolled in healthcare, veteran’s assistance and food stamps programs, as well as receive case management services in order to establish a game plan for stability and success.
“I think that anytime we are able to participate in our community, we step outside of ourselves and show that it is about who we are and that it is about making a difference to those around us and those guys did that today,” Christa Songer, the Church and Community Relations Coordinator at Chattanooga Community Kitchen, said.
While the organization does have full-time staff members who work there, they rely heavily on members of the community to volunteer. Volunteers help serve food, work the front desk and sort food items. Interested volunteers can learn more by visiting the Community Kitchen’s website at homelesschattanooga.org/get-involved.
