Trenton Area Soup Kitchen

So many reviews about great eats, favorite places, date nights, customer complaints, ambiance, new businesses, over pricing and more on Unilocal.These things are all part of going out, but its nice to consider local volunteering activities too!
The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen is a great way to serve the community. In past years through various affinity groups in my office, I’ve volunteered here. I’ve prepped food before dinner services, I’ve served food on the line, and annually I work with a team of people to collect coats/​socks/​gloves/​etc for our winter warmth drive.
I’d like to try to volunteer more at T.A.S.K vs just sending donations. It’s a bitter sweet feeling serving on the dinner line. Just seeing families dine here, and watching the little kids grabbing the additional brown paper bag breakfast generates both happy and sad feelings.
I would suggest going here with a group of at least 3+ people. CM covered the volunteer information nicely! I believe they also have programs where you can help with literacy issues and mentoring. Just remember when dining out don’t order too much food and always take home left overs. Soo many people are in need of meals and its best we try not to waste food when possible! :)
*id suggest carpooling the parking area is small

TASK is wonderful & I hope to volunteer once both kids are in school.
In the meantime, we have adopted families for Christmas, purchased shelf-​stable food & toiletries, provided pumpkins, cupcakes, and other seasonal goods, as needed.
Drop offs:
No weekend drop-​offs; 8:30−5, M-​Th, 8:30−1, F (if Escher is empty, you know they’re closed).
If you drive in to the lot, it is incredibly difficult to turn around/​do a 3-​point turn (though someone will gladly help direct)
Push the intercom button if the doors are shut – back or front
Don’t be afraid. Everyone knows you’re there to help & is so glad you can.
Things to provide:
Food: shelf stable, no glass, basics, ready to eat, nothing that requires refrigeration: pasta, rice, sauce, PB, jam, tuna, beans, cereal, dried or UHT milk. I know this is bad, but I can’t bring myself to donate ramen, breakfast bars, canned vegetables & fruit (I need to get over this – if you don’t have a fridge & are hungry, a can of peas still tastes great, as does ramen & any dried or canned veg – something I used to know)
Diapers/​wipes: babies & adults
Hygiene kits: soap, razors, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, no mouthwash (alcohol), shampoo
Ask: coats, sheet sets
We also like Homefront & Womanspace, two organizations which seem to get more love in my community than TASK.
I still can’t wait until the kids are at least 13, so they can do more than decorate cupcakes & we can volunteer together as a family.