RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS: WOMAN TO COOK MEAL FOR VETERANS HOME STAFF

Agnes Bendel plans a feast Wednesday for the staff at the Missouri Veterans Home.

Bendel has been fixing the nearly 100 employees a meal each year as part of Random Acts of Kindness, and already they've been looking forward to this year's, she said.

"It's a big party," she said, adding that there will be banners and flowers and table decorations.

"They enjoy it," she said.

But more importantly, the meal recognizes all their hard work, Bendel said. She works as a volunteer at the Veterans Home and spent many hours there while her late husband received care. "They do a great job out there," she said.

So to repay them, she fixed a meal that includes chicken and dumplings, turkey and dressing, smoked sausages in barbecue sauce and pies and desserts. Several other ladies are helping her with the food preparation.

Most of the food disappears quickly, but Bendel sets aside some meat and cheese trays for the midnight shift too.