Kearsarge FCPOA Lends a Hand to Soup Kitchen

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Cristina Gabaldon, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

RED BANK, N.J. (NNS) -- Eleven members from amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge's First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) took a few hours off from their schedule to volunteer at a local soup kitchen in Red Bank, N.J., June 23.

The FCPOA arrived at Norma Todd's Lunch Break just before lunch, where they led a prayer and recited the Pledge of Allegiance before serving lunch to 54 men, women and children.

Norma Todd's Lunch Break is an organization ran by employees and volunteers who are committed to helping the community. Active since 1983, Norma Todd's Lunch Break is a place where members of the community who are in need can go for a hot meal, food boxes, clothes, and many other services.

"We are so honored to have these Kearsarge Sailors here," said Gwendolyn Love, executive director of Norma Todd's. "We know they just finished deployment and it's amazing to me that not only do they serve our country, defending our freedom, but they also are serving our community."

On average, Norma Todd's Lunch Break serves 80 people a day for lunch, plus home deliveries for those who cannot make their way to the soup kitchen.

"With the recession we are busier than ever," explained Love. "A lot of volunteers and donators we have had over the years are now our patrons coming in daily. With times being so tough, we need more volunteers; that is why we were just thrilled to learn that Sailors from USS Kearsarge were coming to help out."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (handling) 1st Class Donya Craig, enjoyed the entire afternoon at the soup kitchen.

"We, as an FCPOA, decided to volunteer at the soup kitchen so we can give back to the community, even if it isn't our own," said Craig. "This experience really opened our eyes, and it felt like we really made a difference."

Other volunteers who are regulars to Norma Todd's were also very impressed by the Sailors coming in to help out.

"This is the first time I've seen the Navy come help out here," explained Juan Figueras, a 34-year old Red Bank volunteer. "I came from being homeless and today, being able to work alongside the Navy, helping people, was such an honor. I wish I could do what these people do; I wish I would have joined the Navy!"

As the patrons conversed with the Sailors as they went through the food line and asked questions.

"You see these people with so many struggles and hardships, but they were so appreciative for everything," explained Craig. "This was an awesome experience and I encourage anyone to take the opportunity to do something like this at least one time. As for the FCPOA, we are already planning our next community project and will hopefully be able to make it a monthly event."

Kearsarge arrived in Earle, N.J., June 20, to offload ammunition after a nine-month deployment in support of humanitarian efforts in Pakistan and Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector in Libya.