RSS 2.0 FeedAugust 19, 2010, Cover Stories, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
The Freeport INN: Feeding bodies, nourishing souls
Local volunteers at the INN help their neighbors in need.
Volunteers prepare lunch.From left to right: Delores Genovese, Arthur Greenfield and Fran Greenfield
The Freeport INN is located at Church of God Community Center, 146 Babylon Turnpike, Freeport. The Community Center building is next door to the church. The Freeport INN is one of 19 soup kitchens which collectively serve more than 300,000 meals each year to hungry children, adults and seniors. Most of the soup kitchens are operated by volunteers. Much of the food is donated by individuals, schools, religious and community groups, and businesses. The Freeport INN prepares lunch Monday through Friday. Those wishing to volunteer or make donations to the Freeport INN can call 486-8506. If you wish your donation go directly to the Freeport INN, specify that when calling. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information about the INN and how you can help log onto: http://www.the-inn.org/home.html
“There but for the grace of God go I,” said Peter Capone, a volunteer worker at the Freeport Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN). The recession is scary.
Many Long Islanders, who never thought they’d have to worry about the basics, are experiencing gut-knotting anxiety about paying for housing and food. But unlike those formerly financially-stable Long Islanders, there are members of our community who were threatened by homelessness and not having enough to feed their families long before our nation’s economic downturn. Since 1987, The Freeport INN has reached out to that community, often bridging the frightening gap in financial resources for many by providing free, healthy, hot meals five days a week. And as the INN helps meet the nutritional needs of one community, it also feeds the spiritual needs of another, the volunteers who keep the INN open and operating.
Inside the INN With eyes closed, one might never guess the room is filled with mostly retirees and senior citizens. Some are octogenarians: the energy level is high and the friendly chatter is constant. A tremendous amount of work is accomplished each day; it has to be, as spokesperson Cindy Sucich says, “The Freeport Inn feeds about 200 people a day.” Each day the INN is staffed by a different crew of volunteers who are fueled by their own inspirations for helping others.
Jim Smith, a retiree from TWA, began volunteering in 1987. He began working at the INN alongside his wife, but after her death he said working at the INN filled a space in his life. Mr. Smith jokes about working for the free coffee, but quickly admits it’s the camaraderie among his fellow volunteers and the simplicity of their mission that motivates him, “All we’re here to do is feed people.” The warm relationship among volunteers at the INN is evident in their conversations and in their activities.
Team members include volunteers Mattie Shalofsky of Wantagh, and Linda Jewels and Marge Di Grizia, both of Freeport. Mrs. Shalofsky works part-time in publishing, Ms. Jewels is also a hostess at Baldwin’s Coral House, and Mrs. Di Grizia previously worked for her church.
North Merrick resident volunteer Norbert Billig served his community as a school board trustee for 30 years, and during five years at the INN he’s become an integral part of the Wednesday crew. Mr. Billig shared an experience at the Hempstead INN he says changed his life: One of the guests Mr. Billig was serving, a young man of college age, asked if the INN had diapers or formula available. Though Mr. Billig was serving lunch at the time, he directed the guest to someone who could help him. Mr. Billig says the request for life’s basics made a lasting impression. “You don’t know what travails people have. You’re humbled by their needs and by the efforts of others to address those needs.”
Working hard, staying young
Two of the most youthful volunteers on Fridays are octogenarian couple Fran and Arthur Greenfield. Not only was Mrs. Greenfield the only volunteer to volunteer her age, she exuberantly announces it, “I’m glad to say I’m 84 years young.” Mrs. Greenfield says volunteering helps her to keep a positive outlook. She said it’s important to keep one’s mind busy. “Keeping active keeps you alert,” she says. Her husband Arthur said, “I get a lot of satisfaction helping these people. Hopefully, we make a difference.”
His motivation? “After I had my first heart attack about seven years ago, I felt it was payback time. I’ve been helping and volunteering ever since.” He added, “I’m tired when I get home, but it’s a good tired feeling.”
The winding road to the INN
Dolores Genovese began volunteering at the INN 11 years ago, and began her service in an unusual way. She had been making soup as a volunteer at her church, St. David’s in Massapequa. She knew the soup she prepared went somewhere, but wasn’t aware of its final destination.
Her curiosity got the best of her one day, and she asked the man who delivered her soup, “Where does the soup go?” He responded by inviting her to join him for a quick trip. He delivered the soup, and Mrs. Genovese, to the INN. She never left. Mrs. Genovese says she’s moved by her interactions with clients at the INN, “You feel so good when they say ‘thank you’ and ‘God bless you.’ ”
Regina Greene of Bellmore is a 20-year volunteer at the INN. Formerly a teacher, Ms. Greene said she wanted to go into catering when she retired. She jokes about her work at the INN as a sort of catering. On a serious note she said, “I keep thinking I’d rather be on our side of the table. I realize how lucky I am.” She added, “I pray each day there isn’t a need for a soup kitchen.”
Mrs. Shalofsky described her winding road to the INN. She says her late husband, David, volunteered as a bingo caller. The bingo game was eventually taken over by an Elks lodge. While calling bingo at the Elks lodge, Mr. Shalofsky became friends with Mrs. Genovese’s husband Tony, who told him about the INN. David volunteered at the Inn and Mrs. Shalofsky said she tagged along. That was eight years ago. She summed up her journey, “One thing leads to another.”
Massapequa resident Helen Spencer said she started volunteering seven years ago as an activity to fill time while waiting to begin taking a course. She stayed with the INN and she never did take that course. Sometimes the longest journeys cover the fewest miles.
Mr. Capone lives locally and is on disability. He’s been a volunteer at the INN for a couple of years. A jack of all trades in the kitchen, he confided, “I’m a recovering alcoholic. A big part of my recovery program is to serve others, so this has been a big help to me.” His empathy for those he serves is evident.
“I was in their shoes. I was a client on line coming in here– then I got sober.”
