Volunteers, food, money needed at Homestead's Rainbow Kitchen

More people hungry, less food available, organizer says

Wednesday, November 26, 2008
By Margaret Smykla

Rainbow Kitchen Community Services receives most of its food from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, where it is a member agency.

But to completely stock its popular breakfast program, food pantries and Kids Cafe, the Homestead kitchen also must rely on donations.

In tough economic times, however, people are less willing -- or able --to give even though the number of those seeking assistance grows.

"There is less food available, yet more people needing it, so we have to stretch what we have,'' said Donna Little, executive director.

Rainbow Kitchen is a nonprofit that seeks donations year-round to help low-income individuals and families.

Its next effort will be the annual Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, which is open to everyone. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rainbow Kitchen, 135 East Ninth Ave., Homestead.

The meal of turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, broccoli casserole and more will be prepared and served by the boys basketball team at The Neighborhood Academy, a college-preparatory high school for low-income students.

Last year's Thanksgiving dinner drew about 100 diners.

Rainbow Kitchen was founded in 1984 in response to the closing of the local steel mills, which displaced hundreds of families in the Steel Valley.

Its beneficiaries are single parents of young children who are unable to make ends meet; the unemployed and under-employed; needy seniors on a low fixed income; latch-key children in need of a hot meal; and the ill or disabled who are in chronic need.

"We're not just a soup kitchen,'' Ms. Little said.

Programs include a recently completed winter coat drive, tax assistance, case management services, anti-hunger initiatives, medical assistance, transportation and a holiday gift distribution. It also serves as host site for educational and informational presentations.

For the holiday gift distribution, toys are being collected at St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Munhall.

Aid also can be given by staging a nonperishable food drive or for collections of paper products, Ms. Little said.

Volunteers willing to give of their time and talents are invaluable to the organization, she said. And, money is always needed.

"We are really, really grateful to accept cash donations," she said.

Monetary donations can be sent to Rainbow Kitchen, 135 East Ninth Ave., Homestead, 15120. For more information on how you can help, visit www.rainbowkitchen.org.