St. Basil’s Community Kitchen

The Ascension of Christ Orthodox Church is preparing to start a community kitchen in the building recently purchased in Monett, where we will have opportunities to minister to the local community. As can be seen if you look at the section: New Building, there is a lot of work to be done in the building before we will be able to open St. Basil’s Community Kitchen.

We would like it to be a place where members of the local community who are struggling financially or suffering emotionally, those who are lonesome and who just need a safe welcoming place where they can have friendly connections with other people, could come to find a bit of relief. There is a major need in our society for a safe place where people who are lonesome or hurting emotionally or spiritually can go for healing and where they can develop real relationships with people who care for them. We want St. Basil's Community Kitchen and Food pantry to be that place, where wounded souls can find healing and rest.

For more about the vision and future goals of St. Basil’s kitchen, click here.

In order for us to be successful, we need your help!

The building that we are establishing the soup kitchen in is over 100 years old, built in 1922. It is structurally sound, but has been unused for many years. A fire some years ago damaged the electrical system; the plumbing needs to be redone. The bathrooms have to be rebuilt, and the walls need scraped stuccoed. All of this costs money and time to do. Some of these things the church community has been volunteering to do, and will be able to do, while for other things we will have to hire contractors.

Besides the repair that must be done to get the kitchen up and running, we will need many things. We will need a commercial stove, sinks, refrigerators, and other smaller things: pots, pans, serving utensils, towels . . . There are many more things needed.

To see more of the things we need before we can get St. Basil’s Community Kitchen up and running CLICK HERE! Or the button below:

We know that his project may cost much more than $50,000, but in this, 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.