Video: Empty Bowls Luncheon Raises Funds for Salvation Army

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – The only homeless shelter in our area holds its biggest fundraiser today at the Tupelo Furniture Market.

Charles Cain spent this morning helping prepare food for drive through orders at the annual Empty Bowls Luncheon.

The 36-year old moved to Tupelo about a month ago from Chicago, looking for a new career and lives at the Salvation Army’s Carnation Street Lodge.

“The Salvation Army is a great place to start over, if you need a fresh start in life, they provide housing, free meals, bed and shelter, there are a lot of great opportunities to transition and I think the Salvation Army is a place that I would give back as much as possible,” Cain said.

Cain is one of thousands who have been helped by the Tupelo Salvation Army in the past year. In 2014, nearly 99,000 meals were served from the Carnation Street Center and the Empty Bowls Luncheon provides money to help the ministry serve the needy.

The event featured soups and chilis from more than 50 restaurants, organizations and churches.

“The only disappointment , there’s too many choices, you don’t know where to start,” said JJ Jasper.

Money raised from the Empty Bowls Lunch, a silent auction and bake sale will also help pay for a much needed expansion at the Lodge. Right now, there are 13 beds for men and 10 for women. A one million dollar expansion will feature a women’s and children’s facility with 3 apartments for families and 22 beds for women. It will more than double the shelter’s capacity.

“Hopefully by the end of the summer we will be able to break ground and get started on that before the weather turns bad again for next winter,” Maj. Jeff Daniel said.

Guests and servers at the lunch say they’re glad to help a ministry that makes a big difference.

“It’s life changing, what they do, in the lives of the folks, they share the gospel, they help the homeless, people know their long standing reputation for giving people food and clothing,” Jasper said.

“I volunteer, on Thanksgiving and stuff, help out and serve all the people in need, there’s a lot of people in need around here that you don’t even realize,” said Anna-Liesa Hussey.

As they leave the luncheon, guests get a unique piece of pottery, it’s a reminder that all throughout the year there are needy people and hunger knows no season.

By the way, Charles Cain is looking for customer service related work. He plans on volunteering at the Salvation Army long after he is back on his feet.