In September 2014, Linda Volpe responded to an ad that said the Community Kitchen, founded by East Haven United, was looking for volunteers. She was looking to help, not realizing the Community Kitchen was still just a concept.

She—along with Peggy Thomas, Edna Baransky, and Kat Spadacenta—began spearheading the project. The group organized the initial fundraiser, obtained the proper licenses and approval from the health department, and in May 2015, the Community Kitchen served its first meal.

“The four of us knew each other from Old Stone Church and said, ‘We can do this,’” says Linda. “It’s not a Soup Kitchen—anybody can go to have a nice meal and have nice company. The food is unbelievable and people can relax as the volunteers serve the meal to them.”

The meals at the Community Kitchen have proven to be quite successful and in January, the Community Kitchen added a second meal each month. Free meals are served from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of each month at East Haven United’s Community Kitchen, located in Christ and The Epiphany Church, 39 Park Place, on the East Haven Green.

“The ultimate goal is to do this seven days a week, but we’re far from that right now,” says Linda, who works in the claims department for an insurance company. “We’d need a bigger space and more funding.”

During her time volunteering, Linda’s role has grown into the volunteer coordinator—a position that keeps her busy as there are more than 20 steady volunteers doing everything from setup and cleanup to cooking and serving and everything in between.

“I can’t imply enough that this Community Kitchen is a group effort and it wouldn’t be successful without all of the volunteers that come every month,” says Linda. “We have dedicated chefs who come in, two sets of crews with the most wonderful volunteers. Without all of them, this thing wouldn’t fly. The volunteers are so wonderful and it is such a successful kitchen because of that.”

Linda thanks a host of people for their dedication to the Community Kitchen, including Baransky, who makes the menu and cooks the meals; Gail Nettleton and Michelle Massaro, who have been steady volunteers in the kitchen and the dining room since June 2015; and Thomas, who does the accounting, in addition to helping in the kitchen.

“Without Edna, the kitchen would not go forward,” says Linda. “Gail and Michelle are in the kitchen prepping and cooking on the first Saturday and on the third Saturday, they’re in the dining room serving our guests. Peggy was a big part of getting the kitchen started.”

The Community Kitchen is operated by East Haven United, a faith-based organization that was founded in June 2013. It is supported by the major churches in town—Old Stone Church, St. Vincent de Paul, Christ and the Epiphany, St. Clare, St. Elizabeth, and Our Lady of Pompeii. The group meets the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the St. Vincent de Paul parish house.

“After the plane crash, the churches were assisting with that tragedy and they started East Haven United, an organization that helps East Haven residents,” says Linda. “It was founded by the churches, but anyone can be a part of East Haven United.”

Linda also stresses that all are welcome at the Community Kitchen meals. In addition to serving free hot meals, Linda notes that many people who come enjoy the company and conversation.

“It’s quite a nice environment with a lot of conversation going on,” says Linda. “It’s just a bunch of friendly East Haven residents enjoying a hot meal together.”

Sometimes there are also special events at the meals with a keyboardist playing at the December meal and the East Shore Health District (ESHD) scheduled to do free blood pressure screenings at the March 5 meal. In the past, ESHD has also offered flu shots.

“We are hoping to be able to invite different people or presenters in the future,” says Linda, who enjoys spending time with her husband, son, daughter-in-law, and four year-old grandson Jacob. “We are looking to make this Community Kitchen more of an advocate for the community.”

Linda finds her time volunteering “fulfilling” and enjoys helping the community, but she stresses that without the many volunteers, the Community Kitchen wouldn’t function.

“It’s very rewarding to help people and give them a hot meal or company,” says Linda. “I am honored to be Person of the Week, but that honor should really go to all of the volunteers.”

For information, call 203-397-6409. To volunteer at the Community Kitchen, call 203-467-1676.