arts
y. lly
en.
way.
se some people don't get as cLane-Higginson, a Raintree
ugh programs like LINK were should do more to provide for late instead of financing pro-
money to people who don't ople are happy, then they can into space."
urch is as diverse as the peof Lawrence. Some people are ung punk rockers or "squat-
omeless, and not me from 99
Shawn Bedlent at the First Christian Church
some are not identifiable by mixed with mohawks, dread-ir dogs tied to poles outside. At Tuesday started filing into one played a piano version of the room, people talked to.
ved was an 18-year-old from awrence for two months and because of legal problems. said "It keeps me from get-
said. "It keeps me from get-
ches from his friends, pointd to as "the punk-rock kids
do this, because a lot of people, "even though some people r money on liquor instead of
nning to go to Florida to live when he would be leaving ny identification and that he cation because of his legal
He said that because of his situation, if he were to become financially stable, he would donate to an organization like LINK.
problems.
"I think it's really good that people are helping out and donating their time," he said.
ing their time, he said. Before people were served lunch, Marcel Brou, coordinator gave a speech.
Brou, a former government student at the University who originally is from the Ivory Coast, is the organization's only paid employee.
During the speech, which he gives before every lunch, Brou introduces himself, tells people to be respectful of others and lets the people being served know who is volunteering that day.
Casseroles, beans with hot dogs, fruit and dessert were served last Tuesday. As usual, it was an all-you-can-eat affair.
served last Tuesday. At Brou has worked for LINK as a paid, part-time employee for 2 1/2 years. He said that since he started working, the number of people has greatly increased.
"There are some transient people who stop from state to state who travel here," he said. "I have been told that LINK has the best food."
Brou got a job with LINK after graduating from the University and answering a newspaper ad. He decided that the kitchen would be one of the best ways in which he could help the community but that more needed to be done to solve the real problem: why people need to receive free lunches in the first place.
"I would say it's unfortunate that we have an increase of the number of people who rely on LINK for their basic meal of the day," Brou said. "I don't have a solution, but I think it's something that should be taken care of."
Brou will be missed by many people he serves; he is leaving for a new job in a week.
A couple who had been going to the free lunches for 5 1/2 years and wished to remain anonymous were among those.
"Sometimes you get some roughnecks in here, and he takes care of them," the husband said.
"We haven't had any knock-down drag-outs since he's been here," the woman said.
Mary Inzerillo, chairwoman of the LINK board, said she also would miss Brou.
"He was a very valuable worker, and it will take a great effort to find the right person again," she said. "He had a very good outlook on things, and he treated everyone with equal respect and dignity. As he was short in stature, we were afraid that some of the larger people in there would try and bully him around, but we never had any problems with that."
Inzerillo, who is a beauty consultant by trade, volunteers for many organizations. She encouraged KU students to volunteer as a server at the First Christian Church.
"You fill a need on both sides—the person who is in need of a meal," she said, "and it fills the need to give something back to society. It's more of a party atmosphere than it is depressing."
Anyone is eligible to eat, Inzerillo said, and no questions are asked.
Finding Food +
Free food is served from 1:30 to 2 p.m. every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at the First Christian Church, 1000 Kentucky St.
Far Left: Dave Shelton, a sixth-grader at Raintree Elementary School, volunteers at the First Christian Church, 1000 Kentucky St.
Top and Above: Volunteers of Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen feed some of the community's hungry.
26
November 5, 1996 The Hill
Community Outreach
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