The goal of Loaves and Fishes Community Meal is to build a stronger community by creating an environment where people across social, economic, religious and other divides come together in service and fellowship to provide for the needs of our community.”
Jenny Mathews, contributing writer
Wayne and Bobbi Crabtree have a mutual love for serving others, which has led to a mutual love for one another. They have been serving together on the board of the Loaves and Fishes Community Meal for several years now and love the opportunity to meet and serve people in our community. For Wayne, it began while browsing a farmers’ market. He saw a volunteer booth, and Loaves and Fishes was listed as a volunteer opportunity. Bobbi signed up to help at church, and the two continued serving together.
The Loaves and Fishes Community Meal serves a meal twice every month on the first and third Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church located at 178 W Center Street in Logan. Anyone who would like a hot meal and some good company is invited. When you walk in the doors, friendly faces and an appetizing smell greet you. You can see busy volunteers who have worked hard to prepare and serve the meal. After a quick message, everyone sits down and enjoys good food and good conversation. There is warmth, smiles and good energy all around.
The goal of the organization is to build a stronger community by creating an environment where people across social, economic, religious and other divides come together in service and fellowship to provide for the needs of our community. While the nutritious meal is one part of that, most volunteers and guests agree that this organization is all about building friendships.
“There are some people who really need the food, but the majority come for the company,” Bobbi said.
Wayne and Bobbi have come away with many tender and lasting friendships. They spoke fondly of a woman named Liz who has since passed away but who once told them, “The food is good and that feeds my body, but I come here for the interactions. I feel like I belong here.”
The board meets quarterly, but every year they have a meeting open to the public where people can sign up to volunteer. Something the organization never seems to lack is volunteers. In fact, typically, the calendar fills up for the whole year during this public sign-up meeting.
Wayne says the hardest part of their job used to be turning away people who wanted help. Now, after the volunteer roster is filled, those wanting to contribute are asked to come mingle and share the meal and their time. You can serve as an individual or as a group: neighborhood, co-workers, families, companies, youth group, church or any organization. Wayne emphasizes that, “We really want to keep it non-denominational and as diverse as possible.”
If you are interested in helping out, or to find more information, visit cacheloavesandfishes.org or call (435) 414-0340.
