We all know the old acronym “TGIF”: Thank Goodness It’s Friday!” But for some those letters may stand for something else: “Thank Goodness It’s Food!” The two meanings combine on early Friday mornings at the Central Synagogue Caring Committee food kitchen. With the help of volunteers like Ira Riklis, the kitchen serves hot breakfasts and bag lunches to the homeless on Friday (and Thursday) mornings. And as the only organization in the area serving those morning meals, they provide an invaluable service for the working poor who have jobs that simply, sadly, don’t pay enough to put a roof over their head or provide for regular nutritious meals.
They Caring Committee has been doing their good work since 1983 after an urgent appeal from the mayor to meet what was thought to be a temporary need. Of course, the need wasn’t temporary and has grown over the years. Ira Riklis got involved personally nearly thirteen years ago after learning about the need and the group’s efforts.