By Brian Gilliland

LEWES — Every Wednesday year-round, volunteers and congregants of Conley’s United Methodist Church open its doors to anyone who is hungry or needs camaraderie.

They stopped calling it a “soup kitchen” a few years ago because they didn’t think it described the program well. Renamed “Soup for the Soul,” a large sign outside invites visitors to a “soap social” between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each week.

“Of course, the whole concept was to find food for those in need, and it kind of evolved from there,” said Dale Kehrer, the program’s coordinator. “People who are alone, as well, needed this.”

She ensures the Wednesday gatherings are stocked and ready, with meals assembled by about four teams of between four and six helpers. Each team takes one week a month, pooling together during the final week of five-week months.

All in all, Mrs. Kehrer reports serving at least 36 meals per session, a respectable number, even for an establishment not staffed by volunteers.

She estimates that, of those meals, about 60% go to those who might not otherwise have eaten during those hours, with the other 40% served to individuals who come for companionship.

During a recent Wednesday visit, Mrs. Kehrer had more than a dozen bagged sandwiches in front of her, waiting to be distributed. They joined the day’s soup offerings: bean and ham, and turkey vegetable. Writing the menu was Laura Hill, the team leader for the week.

“We grew from a previous program, where the church ladies would make soup for other churches,” Mrs. Hill said. She said she believes loneliness can negatively impact mental health and hopes the soup social feeds more than one appetite.

“Volunteering is also very important to me. I get a great deal of satisfaction out of volunteering,” she said.

So, those who might need help and those providing the help can both benefit.

“It doesn’t make a difference what your situation is,” Mrs. Kehrer said. “People who come here get help. We have resources. If you need help with heating or electric, we have organizations to help.”
However, regarding improving the circumstances for her agency, she notes it has become harder for nonprofits to access state funding opportunities.

Conley United Methodist Church is at 33106 Jolyns Way. Learn more at .