Students in the soup -- for a good cause

When the school year started last fall, Kierra Hardy, Amina Mendoza, Monique O'Neill and Brittany Dobbs, all 13, began planning the soup kitchen that bears their first initials. Their goal is to serve unique meals each month to the hungry.

"We want different recipes from different countries," Brittany said. "Just because you're homeless doesn't mean you have to eat ordinary food."

On-line recipes

They also raised approximately $500 to purchase food, went shopping, publicized the soup kitchen, recruited volunteer cooks and investigated government regulations for soup kitchens.

The kitchen, open the fourth Saturday of each month, is located in the cafeteria at the Regional School at St. Casimir on Sheridan Avenue.

Feeding souls

"I learned not to take what you have for granted," Brittany said. "A lot of kids our age came to the soup kitchen. It makes you appreciate what you have."

Kierra was also moved by the children. "Seeing the children coming in wanting food was hard," she said. "I learned it's important to try and help others. If you try your best, you can accomplish anything. I appreciate the things I have -- like being able to go to this school."

Amina learned that age doesn't have to be a barrier. "No matter what the age you are, you can make a difference helping others," she said.

Monique agreed, saying: "It's not that hard to help other people. Instead of feeling bad for them, do something for others."

Needs of poor

Amina said that hunger is just one of the needs poor people face. "We opened the soup kitchen, but where do they go after the soup kitchen?" she said. "Adults should open more shelters."

Brittany added, "In Albany, we build a lot of buildings we don't need. We need more shelters." She'd like to see these shelters allow people to stay longer and provide assistance in finding jobs.

Concerned about American policies toward the poor, she fears that the country may be spending more time trying to get other countries to take care of their poor than helping the poor here.

"We have a lot of homeless here," she said. "We tell everyone else to feed their hungry and we may have more."

Inspiring others

"Don't let age fool you," Amina said. "You should take advantage of your age. You can make a difference."

Rather than wishing things would change, Monique said other young people should make the changes. "If you have a dream, don't let it stay a dream," she said. "Make it a reality."

(To learn more about the KAMB soup kitchen or to submit a recipe, visit www.geocities.com/soupkitchen_2000. Recipes and donations can be mailed to The KAMB Soup kitchen, c/o The Regional School at St. Casimir, 309 Sheridan Ave., Albany, NY 12206.)

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