Volunteer-Powered Kitchen In West Orange Cooks Up Love For The Holiday

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange residents once again joined together to hold food drives and turkey roundups this holiday season. But according to Councilwoman Tammy Williams, the “true spirit of Thanksgiving” is something that exists year-round at Christine’s Kitchen.

Williams was among those who recently pitched in at the kitchen, which is located within Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 315 Main Street. Dozens of hot meals were cooked on site and served to the public – something that also takes place there every weekend.

According to its website, between 150 and 250 lunches are given out to guests at Christine’s Kitchen each Saturday at noon. All guests are welcome, without regard to income or documentation.

Guests can take additional lunches for family members. The meals typically include a main item (such as a sandwich or a serving of lasagna), a piece of fruit, several snacks, a drink and hot soup.

A rotating cast of volunteers cook and clean, bringing all needed supplies with them. Crews have included teens from Jack & Jill of America Inc. Essex-Hudson, in addition to Williams and her family members and friends.

“West Orange is such a beautiful and diverse community,” the council president said in a news release.

“Our diversity strengthens us,” Williams continued. “However, the spirit of volunteerism that is represented by our boards, commissions and residents that come together during this season of Thanksgiving is proof positive that we are one community – one West Orange – and that ‘everything is possible.’”

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is also home to a popular food pantry, which is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the last two Tuesdays of every month. It is located in Guild Hall, with an entrance through the red door on the Franklin Avenue side of the building.

• See Related: West Orange Community Comes Together For Holiday Food Drive

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