A Cool Lunch

Today's lunch.

We served turkey, avacado, cheese and tomato sandwiches at today's Wednesday Community Meal and our guests were thrilled.

Our super sandwich assembly line. Thank you Gwen, Micah, Sam and Ian!

"They all love the sandwiches," said volunteer Carol who serves in the dining room and is always great about giving us feedback in kitchen. The sandwiches did look pretty darn good with the fresh tomato and avacado and a generous portion of sliced turkey breast. Alongside the sandwiches we served cold watermelon, cantaloup and potato chips. We also offered soup, salad and dessert — a full four-course meal.

Our wonderful dining room volunteers today included Judy, Carol, Lucy and Maddy.

There's been a heat wave here in Portland, temperatures have been in the 90's for nearly two weeks, and this has been hard on everyone but especially the homeless in our community. When you are living outside, a break from the weather is very hard to find.

One of our regular guests today asked me if I could possibly give him meals to take to two friends. "They really wanted to come today but they found a shady spot and don't want to lose it," he said.

I told him I would and said that I have noticed we haven't been as busy lately.

"That's because it's too hot to walk far," he said. Two men near us overheard and nodded in agreement.

My hope is that the shelter, hospitality and meal that we served today at least helped cool and comfort those who were able to join us. We served 260 meals today.