POTSDAM -- Free lunches to eat in or carry out are available every Friday from 12-1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Potsdam, corner of Elm Street and Lawrence Avenue. All are welcome.

 The meal is sponsored by the Potsdam Interfaith Community, made up of several different religious communities in the Potsdam area.

Since last fall the lunch has included hot foods, such as soup, chili, or macaroni and cheese, as well as sandwiches made to order, fruit, chips, crackers and cheese, dessert and beverage.

“We have served over 25 people lately, either eating here or take out,” said Kathy Allott of the First Presbyterian Church.  “There is a lunch program at Helping Hands Monday through Thursday, so we serve our meal on Fridays,”

“I was so pleased to see this wonderful event when I came here. It’s one of the most important things we do,” said Reverend Holly Haile Thompson of the First Presbyterian Church. “We get to see everybody. You can stay for lunch or get the food to go.”

Bill Corbine, Winthrop, said, “This is a great program and a wonderful group of people. I do take out, and it is enough for my supper also.”

Alicia Newcombe, one of the original organizers of the program, said they used to do a monthly dinner, but they realized the Potsdam community needed more. Last June they started a weekly lunch, and they also brought lunches to the Norwood Recreation Program at the Norwood Beach last summer.

Monetary donations to sustain the program would be greatly appreciated. Checks can be made to “Potsdam Interfaith Community” and sent to the Rev. Brooke Newell at 26 Main St., Potsdam NY 13676. Questions can be directed to Rev. Newell at brooke@cjgreen.net or 315-265-7474.