Needs for St. Basil’s Community Kitchen


 The building where we are going to establish St. Basil’s Kitchen is over 100 years old. It is very sound structurally, but it has not been used for many years. To get the soup kitchen going in the lower level, a lot of work needs to be done. The electrical system was damaged in the fire, the plumbing is old and has many leaks, the walls need scraped and new stucco applied. The old commercial stove in the kitchen is rusted out. Commercial appliances, large pots and pans and dishes need purchased. The bathrooms need completely gutted and rebuilt. We will need to buy tables and chairs.

We humbly bow before you, asking for your financial help. Our goal is to have St. Basil's Community Kitchen opened by December 25, 2023.  Those in the church community have been and will continue to be volunteering to work on everything, but for some of the work, contractors will need to be hired.  Once things are gutted, repaired, restuccoed, and repainted, we need to outfit the kitchen and dining area. We are hoping to buy as many things as we can at auctions to keep costs low, but even then, it all adds up—, stainless steel sinks and work stations, a commercial mixer, a walk-in refrigerator and freezer, a com, Pots & pans, dishes, tables and chairs. . .

Maybe you own a restaurant and are updating or perhaps you know of an auction where some of the needed items will be sold. The more donated items, the less money we will need. If you have some of the items we need or know of an auction where they could be purchased, call our pointman, Philaret Fritz at (816) 517-1553.

Some Specific Needs

For anyone who has worked at a restaurant, a homeless shelter, or an outreach center, especially in the kitchen, you know how many things it takes to have a functioning commercial kitchen that serves many people. And you probably know that it takes a while to get everything that is needed to get it up and running.

There are many things we need before we get to the point that we will actually be able to prepare meals in St. Basil’s Community Kitchen. And that is not including all the renovation and cleanup that must be done before we open up to serve the local community. Below is a list of many of the things that we will need. Some are large appliances that are going to cost a lot. Others are small kitchen items which you can find at thrift stores, or garage sales. Anything is appreciated, including used. One simple request is that the appliances if you wish to donate them, are in working condition.

LARGER THINGS NEEDED:

  • A commercial refrigerator

  • A commercial freezer

  • stainless steel sinks

  • 10 Folding tables, preferably 6 or 8 ft. long

  • 30 chairs

  • large stock pots

  • stainless steel steam table pans, full size

  • frying pans

  • griddles

SMALLER ITEMS THAT ARE NEEDED; COULD EVEN BE FOUND AT THRIFT STORES

  • 50 restaurant style plates (All dishes need to be dishwasher safe)

  • 50 spoons, knives, and forks

  • 50 coffee cups

  • 75 restaurant style soup bowls

  • Kitchen Utensils:

  • knives

  • cutting boards

  • measuring cups

  • large bowls

  • dish towels and cloths

  • old bath towels to be turned into rags for cleaning

In what we are calling phase 1, we can begin the renovations-plumbing, electric, scraping and stucco, re doing bathrooms... We understand that there will have to be phase 2 to raise money to outfit the kitchen. Then there will be phase 3 to outfit the dining hall with tables, chairs, and a children's play area. But right now we are asking help to reach the goals for phase 1.

Any and all financial gifts are welcome and will be greatly appreciated. If we can get enough people to view our need, we could meet our goal and be providing meals and a safe place this winter. We could easily raise $50,000 if only 5,000 people give $10 or if 2,000 people give $25 or if 1,000 people give $50. Gifts of any size will help.


For all of you who sometime have been hungry, For those who have been scared and alone, For those of you who have been lonely--without family or friends or faith or hope. You know how important it was to see a loving smile, a genuine caring hand and to eat a warm meal that was made just for you.

Many people need the love of Christ. But it takes our hands and feet to bring his love to them. Please help us.