How Community Dinners Became a Beacon of Hope
From 7 to 138 Meals a Night...
At the start of the year, The Salvation Army Corps/Church on Orcutt Lane began exploring new ways to connect with the neighborhood. Traditional outreach methods like door-to-door visits and street evangelism had grown increasingly challenging and unsafe. But from this challenge emerged a powerful idea — one that would transform both volunteers and community members alike.
What started as a discussion about a summer food pantry quickly evolved into a larger vision: Community Dinner Nights. A weekly hot meal, open to all, served not just as nourishment but as an expression of unconditional love and welcome.
The early weeks were tough. After all the planning and prayer, only seven people came to the first dinner. Discouraged but determined, the team continued to show up every Wednesday. Volunteers chopped, stirred, cleaned, and served — not knowing if anyone would walk through the door.
Then, one hot July evening changed everything.
Ms. Norma and Ms. Jewel took their outreach to the street corner with dancing, waving and signs — and the cars started rolling in. From 24 to 30 meals a night (many of which had been delivered after closing), the numbers surged to 85 meals served in one evening, reaching neighbors who had never stepped foot inside before. The momentum continued to build, eventually peaking at 138 meals served in one night.
Behind every meal was a team of faithful volunteers: Gene, Laurie, and Carolyn worked tirelessly in the kitchen. Fredo joined to offer moral support and soon took over dish duty, trash, sweeping, and even deliveries. Ms. Norma and Ms. Jewel brought joy and energy to Orcutt Lane each week, encouraging cars and pedestrians to stop in, using the tagline: "you don't have to cook tonight!" Ms. Linda welcomed guests with a smile and shared materials about the church, ensuring every visitor left fed — both physically and spiritually.
As we mark National Salvation Army Week (May 12–18, 2025) — a time set aside to honor the broad, compassionate reach of The Salvation Army’s services — stories like this remind us of the simple power of consistency, generosity, and faith. President Eisenhower’s 1954 proclamation of this week still resonates today, reminding us that these are our neighbors — our brothers and sisters — and we are called to serve them.
The Ministry Continues: 2025 Community Dinners Return
This summer, the ministry lives on. We’re excited to announce that Community Dinner Nights will return in 2025, continuing the mission to offer food, friendship and faith:
- Date: Every Wednesday, June 4 – August 27, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: 5327 Orcutt Lane, Richmond, VA 23224
Whether you come to serve or be served, all are welcome.
May this place continue to be known as a refuge, a safe space, and a place to experience God’s love — one meal at a time.
To all the volunteers who turned a small idea into a movement: thank you for showing up, for giving freely, and for being the light of Christ in this community.
