For the past 12 years, the Hoot Owl Cafe has hosted a soup kitchen every Monday night to feed the community — an anniversary celebrated by volunteers and patrons on Feb. 9.
Patrons and volunteers at Hoot Owl’s Soup Kitchen enjoy a meal on Feb. 9, their 12th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Dave Diehl
Volunteer Dave Diehl told the Reader that the idea came when former-Hoot Owl owner Wendy Franck asked her daughter Savannah Mort what she wanted for an upcoming birthday.
Patrons and volunteers at Hoot Owl’s Soup Kitchen enjoy a meal on Feb. 9, their 12th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Dave Diehl
“Savannah’s a godly woman and she said she wanted to use the restaurant as a soup kitchen,” Diehl said. “That’s how it began. People from the community bring the food in and we serve it.”
Patrons and volunteers at Hoot Owl’s Soup Kitchen enjoy a meal on Feb. 9, their 12th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Dave Diehl
The Hoot Owl soup kitchen aims to resemble a dining-out experience, instead of a cafeteria-like serving style.
“There’s a menu out front when they come in and they grab a salad and sit down,” he said. “We ask if they want coffee, water or tea. They place their order and eat a sit-down meal. It’s very dignified.”
Patrons and volunteers at Hoot Owl’s Soup Kitchen enjoy a meal on Feb. 9, their 12th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Dave Diehl
Diehl has volunteered at the soup kitchen for eight years, having been introduced to it through his church.
Patrons and volunteers at Hoot Owl’s Soup Kitchen enjoy a meal on Feb. 9, their 12th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Dave Diehl
“I went to Cedar Hills Church and asked the pastor how I could get more involved,” Diehl said. “I realized that this was something special and I’ve been at it ever since.”
Patrons and volunteers at Hoot Owl’s Soup Kitchen enjoy a meal on Feb. 9, their 12th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Dave Diehl
Diehl stressed that neither he, the new owners, nor Mort were seeking recognition for the success of the soup kitchen.
Patrons and volunteers at Hoot Owl’s Soup Kitchen enjoy a meal on Feb. 9, their 12th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Dave Diehl
“The glory all be to God,” he said. “This town is amazing. There’s a soup kitchen for every day of the week, which is pretty awesome.”
The Hoot Owl soup kitchen is held every Monday evening from 4-6 p.m. All are welcome.
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