Agent Donna Bertoni of Advance Realty Direct opened a soup kitchen in late October of 2008 to feed those in need during the cold winter months. The kitchen is fully funded by donations and now operates on Monday nights from 4-7 PM all year round. Open to the homeless as well as those who are struggling financially, it is located at 1799 Merritt Blvd, Dundalk, MD 21222 where groups of about 45 people can be fed at one time. Donna cooks much of the food herself and does not limit the fare to soup. Baked chicken, baked ziti, mashed potatoes, homemade chili and similar dishes are served. She also offers guests clothing donations and a pantry for grocery items like cans of soup and spaghetti.
For Thanksgiving Donna was able to take a group of people in a limousine, donated by Bayview Limousine Service, to Cactus Willies for dinner. Others had heard about her plan to help people during the holidays through an email and started contacting her to sponsor them. As a result 33 people were treated to the meal and 45 received Thanksgiving food baskets that were handed out to local families. During Christmas, 55 food baskets were given out and 22 families received new toys for their children.
Any interested in donating food or clothing during the month of May can call Advance Realty Direct at 410-288-6700 to schedule a drop off.
