Brotherly Love: Soup Kitchen Eases Pain

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Delaware woman proved that you don't have to stop helping others even when your health starts to fail. Lenora Carr operates what she calls a soup kitchen, but she'll be the first to tell you that it's so much more than that.

For the last three years, Lenora Carr of Delaware has been serving food to those who need a helping hand. She calls it her soup kitchen, but it's more than that.

"We don't have no soup. We have fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens to make then feel comfortable and at home," she said.

Once a month, Lenora and her volunteers prepare this home-cooked meal in the lower level of 20th Street Baptist Church in South Philadelphia. She uses her disability check to help pay for it. Three years ago, she developed rheumatoid arthritis, sank into a depression, and was forced to leave her job. She recently had foot surgery.

But Lenora was tired of being depressed. She says she loves people and she loves to cook.

"One day I woke up and said, 'I want to make a difference,' and I would stop feeling sorry for myself and wanted to make a change," Lenora said.

Lenora's soup kitchen has changed hundreds of lives. Albertha Graves is one of the 3,600 people who have received a warm meal and friendly welcome.

"I think she did a terrific job, and the food is dynamite," said visitor Albertha Graves.

Advocates against hunger say Lenora is an angel. Carey Morgan, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, said of Lenora, "She's dedicated and she's determined and she knows that people need her help, and she puts those people ahead of her own needs."

Good food, a kind word, and making a difference for those who need it most: "She's a hero for this city," said Carey.

Lenora just received a grant to help pay for her soup kitchen. They also give away clothes and act as a food pantry.

Reported by: Dave Huddleston, CBS 3

RELATED LINK INFORMATION:
Lenore Carr's 20th Street Baptist Church Pantry, 1211 S. 20th Street
https://org2.democracyinaction.org/