Our Daily Bread raising funds for renovation
Aug. 5—LIMA — Randy Kimpel, director of Our Daily Bread at 125 S. Central, says, "Every day is a blessing. One way or another, every day is a blessing. I like our community. I grew up here. I had no idea this community was giving and as caring as it is. I guess I didn't see it growing up but it amazes me each and every day."
Our Daily Bread has been around in some form since 1991. A group called Church People for Change and Reconciliation began serving a daily meal. This group consisted of 18 different churches from many different denominations. In February of 1992, there was an expansion. A building at 610 E. North St. was purchased and renovated to use as a soup kitchen. In 2001, that building was purchased by the Lima Board of Education for the current Lima Senior school complex and Our Daily Bread moved to its present site at 125 S. Central Ave. In 2006, when Church People for Change and Reconciliation was dissolved, Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen became a standalone entity.
A complete remodeling on the inside has been an ongoing effort for about six years. Now a fundraiser is needed to pay for the exterior improvements, which will be an estimated cost of $40,000.
A "drop your change" fundraiser will be August 13th at Clock Tower Plaza from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. You can purchase smoked chicken dinners with baked beans, coleslaw and cornbread for $10.00 or a hot dog, bag of chips and a drink for $3.00.
Connor Raines will be playing his guitar. Connor was the 2nd place finisher of the 2019 Ohio Has Talent in Van Wert, Ohio; 1st place in vocals & guitar playing for the North American Country Music Association in Columbus, Ohio; 3rd place finisher of the 2019 Central Ohio Singing Competition; and also winner of the "People's Choice" award in Columbus, Ohio.
There will also be a bouncy house for the kids, face painting and t-shirts.
"Numbers have been down to about 35,000 this last year," Kimpel reported. "Not too long ago it was 46,000. It's starting to go back up again. The last few months have increased each month."
Our Daily Bread can use your help to accomplish its goal of eliminating physical and spiritual hunger in the Lima/Allen County area.
Reach Dean Brown at 567-242-0409
