MONTCLAIR, NJ (PIX 11) -- The Salvation Army is known for giving back to those in need.
They're now taking it up a notch with their new 'Pay it Forward' cafe in Montclair where patrons can either pay with a smile, volunteer with the organization or donate what they can.
During Thursday’s lunchtime rush, dozens of patrons lined up inside the cafe to savor the warm soup and a side. A tiny kindergarten class even stopped by for a bowl.
"I ate the rice cake soup and the dumplings," said 5-year-old Rosie. "It tastes good."
The non-profit welcomed the community for a free meal at their pop-up café as organizers hope to address food insecurity while fostering a sense of community.
"Inflation affects all of us and so people are having trouble paying the rent and finding money for food, trying to eat healthily, said Carl Avery, a Major in the Salvation Army. “All those kinds of things together just piles a lot of pressure on people so this helps them,"
The new cafe not only serves as a place for nourishment but also a hub for camaraderie where people can share stories and laughter over a meal. Nancy Loo of the Dumpling Diplomacy founded the cafe, in partnership with the Salvation Army, for that very reason.
"I notice, as in most towns, different segments of the population don't really talk to each other or have much to do with each other so, I wanted to create a community experience where haves and have-nots could get together in the same room on an equal footing," Loo said.
The cafe, which opened back in September, is only open one day a month and serves about 90 customers. While monetary payments are not required, organizers tell PIX11 they make about $500 in generous donations, helping them continue their mission to serve a community in need. Debra Thompson-Underwood says she always makes sure to donate, hoping to inspire others to give back.
"It shows kindness, that you're considerate of others," Thompson-Underwood said. "So, I always come in, I always get soup for free, but I always donate and that's my paying it forward."
The monthly cafe is only set to be open for one year but with the success of the program, organizers say there's a high chance the cafe could stick around for years to come.
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