But it also offers an opportunity for community members to volunteer, serve, and fellowship with patrons and each other.

Volunteers said the experience is both fun and rewarding.

“This is why I joined Kiwanis Club,” said Kiwanis Club of Alpena President Rob Boynton, who was helping prepare food on Friday.

Service groups often sign up for shifts at the Friendship Room.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Kiwanis Club of Alpena President Rob Boynton takes a quick break from prepping food at the Friendship Room on Friday.

“Basically, Kiwanis is about children,” Boynton explained, “Making the world a better place one kid at a time. So, this is more of a community thing, all ages, adults, but there are some kids who come through here, too. But … it’s an extension of what we do at Kiwanis. Just giving back to the community. Making this a better community to live in.”

Not only that, but it warms his heart.

“Giving back to people who are in need … it’s enjoyable,” Boynton said. “It gives you an immediate rush when you meet people who need your help. You’d be surprised the different walks of life that come through here.”

Sandy Blumenthal has been volunteering at the Friendship Room for about 20 years.

“I knew that I could make some friends here, but I mostly wanted to be needed, and I wanted to help other people,” Blumenthal said. “I feel so happy to be able to do this.”

She often serves drinks during dinnertime and socializes with the patrons.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of them by name,” Blumenthal said. “I love to listen to their stories.”

Her husband, Dave, started volunteering with her in recent years.

“He loves it. He loves working here,” Blumenthal said of her husband. “I don’t ever want to stop working here.”

Assistant Director Stacie Johnston is grateful for the volunteers and the generosity of the community that keeps the Friendship Room thriving.

“I can’t get through a day’s work without them,” Johnston said of the volunteers. “I also really love the relationship among volunteers.”

She said she hears them chatting about exchanging books and plants.

“They become friends and rely on each other,” said Johnston, who has been at the Friendship Room for 13 years.

“Our other huge focus is the community’s generosity,” Johnston said, adding that the schools, the local air base, and caterers donate food regularly.

“It’s pretty amazing to put out a whole meal for 60 people a day without having to shop,” Johnston said.

“We don’t seem to ever be lacking for a particular food,” Blumenthal added. “We’re always well-equipped to make a meal. And these meals here are so good. Stacie is an excellent cook.”

Johnston added that the social aspect of the Friendship Room is very important, as well.

“It sometimes is the only communication that a single person has in a day,” she said. “I’ve heard it described as a mental health service.”

Meals are available to anyone in the community that needs them from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays at St. Bernard’s Friendship Room, 322 W. Chisholm St. On Sundays, meals are provided through a separate Sunday Supper program at Trinity Episcopal Church.

“Beginning in the fall of 1988, the faith community of St. Bernard, recognizing the need to provide a place of welcome and support to the people of Alpena, opened the doors of the Friendship Room,” a description on the All Saints Catholic Parish website explains. “It is more than a simple soup kitchen where one can receive food for the body. It is a warm, welcoming environment of friendship where all are welcome at the table to be nourished in both body and soul.

Director Randy MacAuley and his staff and volunteers serve about 60 people each day.

If you are interested in donating to the mission, send donations to Friendship Room, P.O. Box 736 Alpena, Michigan, 49707. Make checks payable to All Saints of Alpena with the Friendship Room in the memo line. To reach the Friendship Room, call 989-354-8018.