Here are answers to some of the questions that you may have:
When can food donations be dropped off?
What types of foods are needed?
What do our volunteers do?
Is there a volunteer schedule?
How can I become a volunteer?
Is there any other way that I can help?
Will my contribution go directly to the Toni’s Kitchen budget?
May I make a contribution ear-marked for a special purpose?
When can food donations be dropped off?
Food donations can be brought to Toni's Kitchen on any Thursday, Friday or Saturday from 9am until 1pm. Just pull in the parking lot behind St. Luke’s on Union Street (address and directions found on bottom of Home page) and come on in to Toni's Kitchen, located through the blue door to the left of the archway. There is a sign to direct you. If you need help unloading, we "have carts, will travel".
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What types of foods are needed?
We use all kinds of non-expired canned, bottled and boxed goods and always love receiving fresh foods. We keep an updated "Shopping List" on the Kitchen News page of our web site so that you can check into that for timely specific needs. We excel at putting everything to use and wasting next to nothing so even items not listed on our shopping list will be used creatively. Please keep in mind that fresh food is best delivered on Thursdays and Fridays. Anything delivered on Saturday would have to keep until the following Thursday.
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What do our volunteers do?
Our volunteers come ready to do just about anything. Jobs range from setting tables; assisting our cook with chopping onions, mashing garlic, peeling carrots etc.; cooking a part of the meal if that is your specialty; creating an hors d'oeuvre that is served to the guests before lunch begins; making the coffee, lemonade or hot cocoa (depending upon the season); setting out the donated desserts or preparing one; packaging food "Take-Away" bags; buttering bread; washing pots and pans; cleaning counters and tables; sweeping the floor; taking inventory of paper products; serving the soup, entree and dessert AND always providing warm hospitality and conversation with our guests. All of our volunteers find this experience more rewarding than they ever imagined.
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Is there a volunteer schedule?
Yes. We are loosely divided into three teams - one team each for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We need approximately 8 people on a team, though, sometimes if there is a special need we have 10 people or on some days 6 people can handle the job. We have those who have committed to coming regularly one day a week, or two times a month or as their schedules allow. We are flexible. We have our summer volunteers and our winter volunteers. And we have our volunteers who are "on call" if there is a special need. The more regular a volunteer is, the more satisfying it is for that person. The volunteer gets to know the job and their fellow volunteers and the result is a happy, congenial, efficient, and fun operation. Yes, we do work hard but we also have a very good time.
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How can I become a volunteer?
The easiest and most efficient way is to either send an e-mail to Mary Ann, Toni's Kitchen Coordinator, or call her at 973-860-0768 to schedule a time to come and "check us out" to see if and how you would like to volunteer.
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Is there any other way that I can help?
Yes. Financial support is essential in this ministry. There are many costs. Funds are needed for buying supplies (plates, cups, plastic forks, spoons etc.). We purchase these items at a discount in large quantities. Assorted equipment such as ceiling fans, freezers, refrigerators, ovens, garbage disposal need regular upkeep and repair or replacement. Our cook receives a modest stipend which needs to be covered. Utilities, insurance and exterminator costs all contribute to the costs of this ministry
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Will my contribution go directly to the Toni’s Kitchen budget?
Yes. While Toni's Kitchen is located at St. Luke's Church, the Toni's Kitchen budget is NOT a part of the church's operating budget nor is it dependent on it. It is a separate fund. Your contribution will go directly to the Toni’s Kitchen budget. If you or your organization would like to make a tax-deductible financial contribution or annual financial commitment to Toni's Kitchen, please make checks payable to "Toni's Kitchen" and mail to Toni's Kitchen, c/o St. Luke's Church, 73 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042. It would be much appreciated.
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May I make a contribution ear-marked for a special purpose?
Yes. At the moment need new sturdy 6 foot tables for our dining room, a commercial blender, new thick bottomed cooking pots and two more rolling carts for serving food. In addition to this wish list, we are exploring ways to air condition our space which gets extremely hot in the summer. We especially need to install a restroom adjacent to the dining hall that will be convenient for our guests.
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