Arthur DeVitalis, Nederland. Both compassion and care overflow at the Lovin’ Cup Community Kitchen in Nederland. This Christmas Eve, volunteers provided bread, holiday meals, and more in the spirit of giving. The soup kitchen was hosted weekly at the Deli at 8236 in Nederland. This March, the community kitchen will be nearly eight years old. 

Spiral glazed hams, dessert, potatoes and a fresh vegetable medley were for those partaking in the annual Christmas meal this year. Lasagna and holiday ham were alternatives to turkey this year. The sought-after dinner has become a holiday tradition in its own right for many. 

The Deli at 8236’ owner Ross Alper said that the community has contributed food like cakes and bread. Previously, lead volunteers that change every week also switch up the soup each time. Since Covid-19 began in March, however, the soup kitchen ceased every other Monday. Alper was concerned with the virus and the potential spread from gathering. Staff was cut to half at the Deli at 8236’, in addition to closing during weekend hours. At the time, a lot of people were arguing about masks. Alper, who is a full-time caretaker for his father, can’t bring Covid-19 back to the house for fear of losing a loved one, like many. 

Over 100 individuals received meals, or around 20 families received the meals this year. This included 11 honey baked hams, 10 turkey breasts, and six lasagnas, and a whopping 60 pounds of mashed potatoes. Volunteers also donated 12 dozen homemade cookies that were included with the meals. Alper said that this year was the most that the program has served since it began three years ago. 

“I really like getting people from the community to jump in and be a part of it,” Alper said. “Anyone that’s struggling, unable to pay bills or out of work can always stop by for a free lasagna.” 

He said that the community kitchen is always looking for donations and is dependent on them to keep making meals. They fed about 20 families during Thanksgiving in 2020 as well, with the ever-popular lasagnas gracing tables instead of turkeys. 

His favorite part of the whole thing?

“I like the feeling of helping out my community. I would like to think what we do inspires others in the community to help out neighbors,” Alper said. “We all live up here and we’re in it together. I prefer giving out food than to selling it.”

His daughter Annabelle helped put together the meals, though they both refuse to take the credit. “It’s really the Lovin’ Cup Community Kitchen,” he says. “It’s not just me, it’s not just my employees. We’re all doing this together.” 

Consider donating to the Lovin’ Cup this year, as contributions go farther for neighbors than ever before. Contribute by visiting the Facebook page Lovin’ Cup Community Kitchen or call 303-258-1113.

“We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for all the donations and support. We couldn’t do any of this without you all. We are so proud to call Nederland home,” Alper wrote online.

(Originally published in the December 31, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)