Every second Friday of the month our church provides and serves the evening meal at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida in downtown Orlando. This is a great way be involved in a volunteer opportunity for our church and community. It is also a great way to share meaningful fellowship with each other.
We meet at the WPPC kitchen at 5:45 p.m. The already prepared meal, supplies, and bags of toiletries are loaded. Volunteers hop on the WPPC bus and head to the Coalition. While there, we have many tasks, including serving five pans of our famous layer salad or pasta dish (we alternate our meal month to month), handing out 400 brownies, 400 sandwiches, eight gallons of milk, lemonade, eating utensils, and the toiletries. The Coalition is very organized in making sure this process of getting 300 or more homeless through the dinner line runs efficiently. We return to the church by 8:30 p.m.
Volunteers are asked to please wear closed-toe shoes to the Coalition; it is a violation of their health code to wear flip-flops.
Opportunities to Serve
Second Thursday of Each Month
Bake brownies and mix the PB & J sandwiches in the WPPC Kitchen from 9-11 a.m.
Second Friday of Each Month
Bag brownies on Fridays in the WPPC Kitchen from 9-11 a.m. Sort toiletries on Fridays in the WPPC Fellowship Hall from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Serve the meal at the Coalition: Meet in the WPPC Kitchen at 5:45 p.m., depart at 6 p.m., return by 8:30 p.m.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Donate travel size toiletries. We especially need disposable razors, soap, and deodorant. Place your donation in the Coalition Box in the Fellowship Hall. We are in great need of all toiletries. Please remember the Coalition during your hotel stays or shopping trips. More needed items include plastic storage or sturdy carry-out containers, Quaker Chewy Granola Bars for us to add to our dinner line, gently used baseball caps, canvas and/or environmentally friendly tote bags.
Donate wash cloths. You may want to try one of the large discount stores to get a good price on a large bundle.
Give a financial donation. Make check payable to WPPC. Note “Coalition for the Homeless” on the memo line. Mail the check to WPPC or bring by the church office.
Join the Choir for the Coalition. Member of the WPPC Choir? Just like to sing or play an instrument? Your hymns will bring joy to many folks. A few may just join in!
Make cards for the Coalition. Donate pre-stamped greeting/holiday cards to the Coalition Box. We distribute them to any interested homeless folks as they move through the dinner line, to address to loved ones and/or friends. We mail the cards for them.