Last-minute volunteers help meal program
Hunger isn’t canceled, neither is The Gathering
Amy Morgan was struggling with the fear swirling around coronavirus and knew she needed to fin a way to help people.
The Muskego mother of three has volunteered at The Gathering community meal-serving program for two decades and knew it would be a way to serve others. She asked her children and put a call out on Facebook.
Morgan soon had a crew of a dozen and called The Gathering. It turned out the organization had an urgent need to serve the group’s lunch Saturday at its site in the 3400 block of West Lisbon Avenue.
Meals were served as usual Saturday. The crowd started strong but wound up being a little light, with about 70 when it is usually about 100. But there was a food pantry that happened to be running at the same time.
The Gathering is always mindful of avoiding spreading germs, with volunteers always wearing hats and gloves and always giving fresh plates. Some extra precautions were added Saturday.
Harry Ansley, who has been a coordinator with his wife, Mary Beth, at
The Gathering for 17 years, said canceling meal programs are different than sporting events.
“You can cancel games but what
about social services?” Ansley said. “People don’t stop getting hungry. You have to balance the potential risk with real hunger.”
Mary Beth Ansley said they came to The Gathering with a scout troop Harry was leading years ago and just kept coming back. She sees it as a way to live her faith. She and Harry are members of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in River Hills.
“It’s a way of serving others because we have been given so very very much,” she said. “We have time and we can do this little bit. It helps and if we don’t, maybe no one else would.”
Joseph High, 66, was at The Gathering for the fellowship and a meal of chili, corn and salad. High, who drives a medical transport van, said as a bachelor he doesn’t like to eat alone all the time.
High said he is relying on “precaution and prayer” as the virus spreads. He said it is crucial for him to remain calm, not let panic take hold and stay close to God.
“The Bible said, ‘Be anxious or scared of nothing.’ And that means nothing,” High, 64, said with a smile.
Joseph Russell said he didn’t think about the coronavirus when he decided to come for lunch. He looks forward to chatting with people he knows in the community, which is important as concern about the virus is rising.
“I love it when I come here and get to see friends. We just eat and joke,” he said,
Lisa Robbins was a first-time volunteer and came after seeing Morgan’s post.
“I think it is a great way to come and help other people with all this craziness with coronavirus,” said Robbins, a retired teacher from Milwaukee Public Schools. “The community really needs to stick together now.”
Mark Kaurich, also a first-time volunteer, came at the request of his girlfriend. He said it didn’t even cross his mind to stay away because of the virus.
“I’m going to do whatever I can to help somebody else,” said Kaurich of Mukwonago.
Morgan said her faith brought her to The Gathering 22 years ago and that desire to serve has changed into just liking to come and volunteer.
“We have such a privileged life and I love for our kids to see the real world,” said Morgan of Muskego. “I truly love engaging with people here.”
Morgan’s 10-year-old son, Drake, was futzing with his paper hat as the day was winding up and he thought about why he likes coming.
“It puts a smile on my face to help other people,” he said.
His mom smiled. “This one,” she said, “has the heart of Jesus.”