MEALS WITH FRIENDS A POPULAR ATTRACTION

The Cape Girardeau Salvation Army invites anyone to enjoy a hot, nutritious meal in a cool, friendly atmosphere at no cost every month. And most don't refuse the Army's Meals with Friends program, which has given food and friendship for over 10 years.

Capt. Joyce Gauthier supervises the program at the Army headquarters at 701 Good Hope. She said anyone can come for a free meal during the last full week of each month. Visitors must sign in but no one is charged.

Gauthier said the program never runs out of food and is supported by donations that come in the mail. "We also have farmers that may donate fresh produce," she said.

Cooking is done by Gauthier, who is assisted by five volunteers. She said she starts to cook the meal at noon and ends with cleanup at 7 p.m.

"The volunteers help me chop vegetables and set the tables. They work in the serving line," Gauthier said. When college is in session the program has the services of college students.

There are 11 tables for eight, and sometimes they are full. "We serve 120 to 150 people each night."

Frances Patterson of Cape Girardeau, a program volunteer, said she has been with the Army for 20 years and loves working with the meals program. "It is a wonderful program and we all do what we can do."

Patterson's friend, Hazel Crater of Cape Girardeau, said the program is about more than food. "We make good friends here," she said.