InnKeepers is an outgrowth of a Purpose Driven Life study group. We felt we needed to take a leap of faith to reach out to the community. This was reinforced by the lesson of the day, Matthew 25:35-36, and Pastor Robert McNamara’s sermon in November 2005. Our mission began on December 7, 2005. At the first free community supper, we served 50 meals, and we were on our way. To date we have served approximately 6,800 meals. There is no charge for the meal.

Our typical evening begins with announcements, prayer and singing at 5:15. Followed by the supper from 5:30-6:15. Part of our mission includes tutoring. We have several teachers and peer tutors who are available to work with students from pre-school through high school, which includes adult literacy and GED work. Tutoring times vary depending on age range, subject matter, and individual convenience times, usually between 4-7 p.m. Drop-in students are welcome for help with homework. There are also recreational activities supervised by Defiance College students.

In May 2005 we officially became a soup kitchen. Food commodities are purchased from the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank. We began a food pantry the third week in June 2005. An average of 63 adults and children are using our pantry.

Another part of our mission is housing. If a need for housing arises, we strive to make immediate housing available. This has been facilitated through lodging at local motels, private homes and apartments.

All of this would not be possible without the generosity of our members. We began with a gift of $1,000 from one of our members. Whenever we ask our congregation for donations, they have overwhelmed us with their generosity by providing – books, clothing, furniture, household goods and cookies. Our guests are especially grateful for the cookies baked and donated to us. What a treat!

Our Wednesday night supper has become a family affair. Our guest ask for prayer, assist in the opening, entertain us as a clown, mime, transportation and help with clean up. InnKeepers especially enjoy their musical talents while we work.

Without the help of many volunteers and supper guests, this mission would not be possible. A total of approximately 54 man-hours are needed weekly. This includes cooking, serving, clean up, driving guests to and from the suppers, tutoring, and talking with guests. InnKeepers is truly a community faith-based organization. Volunteers from Defiance and the surrounding communities have assisted us in touching as many lives as possible.

Alone we do so little; together we can do so much.
Helen Keller