Warm sentiments, meals dished out

RICHMOND — In the spirit of the holiday season, students and members of the Contra Costa College health and human services department offered their helping hands to the Bay Area Rescue Mission to prepare meals serving more than 300 residents and the general public on Nov. 23.

Those who served meals to a community of people for the first time said they felt joyful to be able to help.

"I'm so excited. This is my first time  doing this," department Chairwoman Aminta Mickles said. "It's what we do; it's who we are. We give a kind word and provide all of the love and support that we can."

Of the approximately 40 students enrolled in department's classes, many came out to assist in helping the needy, Mickles said. Graduates also assisted with the duties.

"This is my first time serving," student Michael Connolly said.

"I'm loving it – the inspirational music in the background is great. I would love to do this again – even tomorrow, if necessary," Connolly said.

The students were given assignments that included preparing food, setting up tables and serving meals to guests. Their participation provided help not only for that night but also for the remainder of the week.

Director of Volunteer Services Dave Kachurka said that groups from all over the United States come to the Bay Area Rescue Mission to provide their volunteer services.

"We have had groups coming from Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Iowa — colleges and other organizations," Kachurka said. "They volunteer during spring breaks, summers and for the holidays.

"The thrill I have is that there are volunteers that come here to help that get to live out their passions. Some folks see people being helped. The blessing is the people that are being helped and the joy volunteers have in serving."

The Contra Costa College baseball team, under the direction of coach Marvin Webb, volunteers each year and was on schedule to help at the mission the next evening.

There were many testimonials given by residents and those who have gone through the programs offered at the mission.

"I went through all of the classes through (the health and human services department) and received my associate degree and all of their certificates," Carey Kachurka said.

She is currently working toward a bachelor's degree as an addiction specialist and said that all of the classes taken benefit what she does at the mission.

Many desire to volunteer at the mission, yet typically miss out on the opportunity. However, one student was glad to finally be able to assist.

"I've always wanted to do this and never got a chance," student Beverly Mann said. "When I heard about our group coming, I got excited that I was going to be able to volunteer here."

Not only were the volunteers excited to serve, but the guests were grateful for the meals.

 "The gift that the mission brings to the community is exquisite and outstanding," guest Lajuana Decheur said. "To bring joy and a smile – give to each person a sense of personal value in the love served through the food helps to bring hope on what the season is about. It is a blessing and I am grateful."

President and CEO John Anderson said that the mission is an organization that offers such things as food, shelter, warm showers and fresh, clean clothes.

It provides a gospel message of eternal hope for the soul, GED preparation for the mind, job skills training in a variety of areas and counseling for parents as well as anger and financial management classes.

Contact Cassandra Juniel at cjuniel.advocate@gmail.com.