[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL KITCHEN FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE 
                            TO THOSE IN NEED

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the St. 
Vincent de Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, which is 
observing its 25th year of continuous service to those in great need.
  In 1983, Catholic Social Services in Wilkes-Barre recognized that a 
growing number of people in the community were suffering and in need of 
material assistance. Monsignor Donald McAndrews, the executive director 
of CSS, laid the groundwork for the kitchen with the belief that if 
people in need could be fed, they could attend to other needs more 
easily.
  Monsignor believed that the kitchen project would be needed for 2 to 
3 years and could then be dissolved once the regional economy improved.
  He purchased a vacant automotive garage that was being targeted for 
sheriff sale due to tax delinquency. Local labor unions donated 
manpower to accomplish minimal renovations. Used kitchen equipment was 
purchased and CSS obtained a restaurant license.
  Sister Lucille Brislin, the kitchen's first director, recruited 
volunteers and the first meal served 60 people. The kitchen continued 
to serve one meal a day 7 days a week. Local supermarkets helped by 
donating leftover bread and pastries. The kitchen depended on private 
donations and the community responded to that call for help.
  Five years after it opened, the kitchen added a free clinic to assist 
in caring for the homeless. A used clothing room and a food bank were 
added later to expand services.
  However, the need continued to grow. More than 300 meals a day were 
being served. In 2003, major renovations were undertaken to accommodate 
the growing demand. Those renovations were completed in 2005.
  In 2007, an evening meal was added 3 nights per week which is served 
to about 125 people.
  Donations are still encouraged and CSS conducts two organized 
fundraisers each year to help continue the services available at the 
kitchen. A core group of 60 volunteers come at least once each week and 
groups of volunteers come once or twice a year.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating those who make 
possible the humanitarian services that emanate from the St. Vincent de 
Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre. Without fanfare, demand for recognition, 
or monetary compensation, the volunteers who dispense nutritional, 
medical, and clothing services are helping those in the greatest need 
sustain not only their very lives but also their hope that new 
opportunities will emerge to end their dependence on others and restore 
their ability to become self-sufficient.

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