SAMC helps needy through service at local community soup kitchen

Sgt. 1st Class Fredrerick Turner, 369th Signal Battalion, cleans a tray while helping at the Master’s Table Soup Kitchen in downtown Augusta, Ga. Photos by Wilson A. Rivera Soldiers gave their time to the Augusta, Ga., community while volunteering and helping others in need.

Members of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, Fort Gordon chapter, Warrant Officers Basic Course and Soldiers of various units on post donated their Saturday to prepare and serve food to people who are less fortunate and living life on the streets of downtown Augusta. Volunteers assisted the Concerned Women’s Inc. with hosting the free lunch for people in need at the Master ’s Table Soup Kitchen sponsored by the Golden Harvest Food Bank.

“Without [the Sold iers], we couldn’t do what we do at the soup kitchen,” said Bea Sanders, Concerned Women’s Inc. CEO and Co-founder.

More than 300 people in need were served a free lunch at the soup kitchen Saturday. Volunteers took steps early in the day to cook and prepare table settings. Once open, volunteers handed plates and a drink to individuals as they passed through the lunch line. They assisted with carrying trays to the tables and picking up after they finished with their meals.

After serving lunch, a volunteer washes pans used to cook the free lunches served at the Master’s Table Soup Kitchen. The Golden Harvest Food Bank provides organizations to offer lunch at the soup kitchen through community support.

Lunch is served yearround, the Concerned Women’s Inc. are scheduled for other dates to help, including Christmas this year. A new soup kitchen is under construction, where the occupancy will be more and organizations can better serve those in need.

People can help by donating clothes and food. Soldiers can become involved and volunteer by contacting post organizations such as the SAMC, and asking their chain of command, said Sanders.

“She’s the heart and soul of this whole thing,” said Sgt. 1st Class Thomas F. Kupsh, SAMC president. Sanders assists post organizations with many volunteers opportunities.

After volunteering long hours in the past, Fort Gordon Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Clark handed several of the President’s Volunteer Service Awards, signed by President Barack H. Obama, to SAMC members and other organizations for the numerous hours they volunteer. Such an award is basis for the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service medal.

“Many of you volunteer all over the world, not just here,” said Clark, “so I truly appreciate it.”