Elmwood has a long-standing relationship with LUM to provide a meal, once a month, for the emergency shelter. Our established time is the fourth Monday of each month. Meals are dropped off at 525 N 4th St., Lafayette, IN, between 8:00 PM and 8:45 PM, when the shelter volunteers are available. The volunteers are usually helpful to assist in getting the food to the upstairs kitchen. If you prefer to deliver your food earlier in the day arrangements can be made to pick up a key from the LUM Office, located at 420 N. 4th St., Lafayette, IN (Phone: (765) 423-2691). Please keep in mind that there may not be anyone there to assist you in taking the food upstairs.

Typically, two families or people sign up to make sufficient food for about 44 people. In the spring, summer, and early fall we prepare sandwiches and in the other months we prepare soup. Soup can be taken in your cooking pots and the staff will transfer it to their cooking pots while you wait. You may take it in disposable containers. It is helpful if you identify what kind of sandwiches and soup you have brought. Please note that the people we are serving are eating this food at 9:00 PM just prior to going to bed so simple and non-spicy food is recommended.

A request for volunteers is made by the Elmwood office manager on a quarterly basis. Sign up sheets are placed in the Farris Foyer and requests are made in the Church bulletin. When you volunteer you are sent a reminder, the week before you are to serve, so you can plan your grocery purchases accordingly. You will be informed of the other volunteer so you can coordinate what food is being brought. This allows for more variety. It is also acceptable for one family or volunteer to sign up to bring all of the food for the one date.