Young hero feeds those in need
“I like knowing that people who need help will go to bed with a full tummy and a smile on their face.”
With the hopes of helping those in need and giving back where she can, Edenglen resident Kelsey Miller recently made and donated 400 soup parcels to an Edenvale feeding programme.
The nine-year-old made and donated the parcels with the help of her family and another Edenglen resident to the feeding programme launched by Edenvale Volunteers.
“I enjoy helping others and I like to help people where I can,” said Kelsey. Through the project, the family will be able to feed 100s of individuals infected by Covid-19.
Nikki, Kelsey’s mother, said the original initiative started during level four of lockdown through a friendly competition involving the Elma Park Cubs, which Kelsey joined in 2019.
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Although the recipe used by the Millers differs slightly from the recipe of the Edenvale Volunteers initiative, the soup pack is filled with nutrition.
Last year the Grade Four Curro Edenvale learner was one of the cubs to produce the most soup parcels when she made over 50.
“One of my favourite things about making the parcels is putting them together,” said Kelsey. “I like knowing that people who need help will go to bed with a full tummy and a smile on their face.”
Kelsey said she includes a set of instructions in each bag so those who receive it know how to prepare it.
Kevin Kent, a family friend of the Millers, said since donating the 400 parcels the family decided to donate 100 parcels each month for the rest of 2021.
“It’s all about showing children to help where you can and to give back if you are fortunate and in a position to do so.
“It’s our job as parents to teach children that the world is not a free ride and that it is important to give back where you can.”
For the family, helping others is something close to their hearts said Kevin, who was a member of the Bedfordview Scout Troop and a member of the round table, while Nikki was a member of the Ladies’ Circle.
He said as the year continues the family will continue doing their part to help others and encourage neighbours in the area to do the same.
To lend a hand and help those in need to contact Edenvale Volunteers Facebook page. Alternatively, community members can make and donate their uncooked soup parcels. The packs, which feed four people, work out to R15 per person.
Recipe for the Edenvale Volunteer soup jars:
• Quarter cup of barley
• Quarter cup of split peas
• Half cup of pasta
• Quarter cup of lentils
• Half a teaspoon of parsley
• Half a teaspoon of turmeric
• Half a clove of garlic
• One pinch of salt
• One pinch of pepper
• One unwrapped stock cube
• One soup packet
Recipe for the Miller’s soup parcels which are put in ziplock bags:
• Half a cup of rice
• Half a cup of soup mix or split peas
• Half a cup of split peas
• One unwrapped stock cube
• One sachet of soup powder
Instructions on how to cook:
• Add the contents of the jar or the parcel contents to two litres of water.
• Add any available fresh chopped vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage or onion.
• Simmer on low heat for one hour and stir regularly.
• Add extra water if needed.
Donations of prepared soup parcels can be dropped off at SPAR Dowerglen or Uncle Sam’s Kitchen in Edenvale CBD.
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