I noticed right away that Wednesday wasn't going to be a normal day at the Interfaith Nutrition Network's soup kitchen in Hempstead. Most Wednesdays we serve between 250-300 lunches. Today, every seat in the room was taken and there were people lined up waiting as someone finished their meal and left the building.

I also noticed how many more children there were today. Then I remembered it was spring vacation at the local public schools and it all made sense. Children from poor families depend on the breakfast and lunch programs available in the public schools. Schools close for vacation, but hunger never takes a day off.

I was glad Wednesday was one of our sponsored meals because we had lots of good, nutritious food for everyone: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn, string beans, chicken soup, fruit salad, cake and cookies for dessert. All of this food was purchased with the donations from my generous and compassionate neighbors. More than 30 volunteers helped serve more than 400 lunches that day and they made sure every guest was treated with dignity and respect.

Last year, your generous support enabled us to provide the food for more than 4,000 meals at this soup kitchen. This year we're striving for 6,000 meals. If you've had some good fortune in your life, please consider sharing it with those who are less fortunate.

To help families in need, please make your check payable to The Interfaith Nutrition Network. Donations may be mailed to: Dave Golbert, 7 Lee Court West, Great Neck, NY 11024. For additional information, or to volunteer, please call 917-418-2451 or email: davegolbert@yahoo.com

Homelessness never takes a holiday; hunger never takes a vacation.