A few weeks ago, when I was at the Interfaith Nutrition Network's soup kitchen in Hempstead helping to serve lunch with other volunteers from Great Neck, a young boy --- about 9-years-old --- made a big impression on me.

His name was Rick and when he got to the front of the line, tray in hand, I was struck by how serious he was. He looked at the volunteers who were filling each plate with chicken, mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables, and said, "I want lots of everything!"

Usually, we give children smaller portions than the adults, but Rick was so insistent that we actually gave him more than some of the adults. A half hour later, he was back in line asking for seconds.

For children like Rick, a lunch at the soup kitchen is often their first meal of the day. For many of the senior citizens who eat at the soup kitchen, this meal might be their only meal of the day. We served over 320 meals that day --- it seemed like the whole neighborhood knew there was a really good meal at the soup kitchen --- for it was one of highest turnouts of the month.

Friends and neighbors in Great Neck have joined together as The Caring Community to sponsor one lunch each month at this soup kitchen, which serves over 1,500 men, women, and children each week. To buy the food for each meal, we need 40 donors willing to give $25 (or more).

To become part of The Caring Community and to help families in need, please make your check payable to The Interfaith Nutrition Network and mail it to Dave Golbert, 7 Lee Court West, Great Neck, NY 11024. We're sponsoring four meals this fall and need everyone's support to continue this mitzvah.

For additional information or to volunteer, call 917-418-2451 or email davegolbert@yahoo.com

Children like Rick are counting on us.