Empty bowls

Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner, and while many of us will be busy enjoying festive activities and meals with family and friends, some in our community face more dire circumstances. However, thanks to churches and organizations like the Salvation Army, there is support for those less fortunate.

Last Sunday the sixth annual Empty Bowls Banquet was held to help raise funds for the Salvation Army's food pantry and community meal program. Event co-organizer Linda Bohnsack said 180 meals -- consisting of soup, bread, dessert and drink -- were sold for $12 each. Those who bought a meal could also select one of the handcrafted empty bowls to take home.

Bohnsack coordinated the production of 500 bowls this year with the support about 200 volunteers. A silent auction at the arts council where 30 of the bowls were sold helped raise $830 for the food pantry. The banquet raised an additional $2,250, and other donations are still being accepted.

Many volunteers also helped serve meals at the banquet. Event co-chairwoman Dr. Anne Marietta coordinated a 37-member team of Southeast Missouri State University students -- many who are nutrition and dietetic majors -- to help serve meals.

In addition to some of the bowls left from the banquet, 150 other well-made bowls may be purchased at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri craft show Nov. 19 and 20 at the Osage Centre.

Thanks to the Salvation Army, its volunteers and other organizations and churches that show great compassion in meeting the needs of many in our community.