September 18, 2015 – Las Cruces, NM - On this edition of PUENTES, bridges to the community, Emily Guerra meets with El Caldito Soup Kitchen Volunteer Board Vice President, Gabe Anaya.
Founded in 1984, El Caldito Soup Kitchen served a mid-day meal only two times a week to the homeless and less fortunate in Las Cruces. In 2004, they expanded to serving mid-day meals five days a week. When Anaya started volunteering sixteen years ago they served 80 to 120 meals a day. He says their need has more than doubled, this year they averaged serving 250 meals a day, and on occasion have served meals to 390 clients a day. Each year they provide a special lunch for local Veterans.
Food for El Caldito comes from local organizations' food drives. Anaya says their funds come from various groups, churches and grants, but the majority of funds and food donations come from individuals. Their only fundraiser is the Las Cruces Empty Bowls Event by the Potters’ Guild of Las Cruces. The 23rd Empty Bowls Fundraiser will be held on Friday, October 16th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 225 West Griggs.
To learn more about volunteering or donating to El Caldito Soup Kitchen, and about the Empty Bowls Fundraiser, please call 575-525-3831, or visit https://elcaldito.wordpress.com; or on Facebook.