Award Number:
1156
July 9, 1998
Merle Hatleberg, a former nutritionist, started the Some One Cares Soup Kitchen in 1986. She began by feeding 30 people and today her kitchen serves 250-300 men, women and children. <P> After being forced to move her kitchen twice, Mrs. Hatleberg found a permanent home in an empty Chinese restaurant. The kitchen operates on private donations, and fund-raisers. Some local municipalities give community block grants, as well. <P> Mrs. Hatleberg and 60 rotating volunteers keep the soup kitchen open five days a week from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00p.m. Despite being 74 and in a wheelchair, Mrs. Hatleberg drives 40 miles a day to work at her soup kitchen. She receives no monetary reimbursement for her services. <P></font>