Lotus NPO warms up west with soup kitchen
People receive warm cups of soup and bread to fill their stomachs, and also take some home.
A local non-profit organisation keeps the west warm by hosting a soup kitchen drive every month for homeless people and struggling families.
The desire to make a difference in the community of Lotus Gardens is what prompted Tsholofelo Maboko (33) to start a soup kitchen, which now feeds more than 150 people monthly.
The Tsholofelo Cares Foundation (TFC) was established in June of last year.
Every month, Tsholofelo and her family set up a tent at Lotus Plaza, inviting people to come and enjoy a free hot cup of soup with bread.
They also provide bread that can be taken home.
She said an encounter with one of her child’s friends made her realise that there was a need to look out for those who are less fortunate.
“The children were playing, and when it was time to go home, the boy remained at the playground. When asked why, he explained that there was no one at home and no food available.”
She said on that day, she thought of what they could do for the child without making him feel like a charity case.
“I told my child to come with the boy the next day and play in our yard so that when it was time to eat, they would all eat together.”
Tsholofelo said that triggered the thought of how many more people in Lotus were facing the same difficulties and had nowhere to turn to.
She believes that the soup kitchen has now become a crucial source of relief for many residents in Lotus Gardens.
“Every time we host the soup kitchen, it is evident that people couldn’t wait for us to come, and they usually say they had been checking to see if we might come around over the past weeks.”
She said she wishes to host the soup kitchen daily for those who really depend on it.
“I really wish to be able to be there and host the soup kitchen every day for those who benefit from it, because they do not eat once per month, food is an everyday necessity.”
She said she always asks for food and vegetable donations from people, but most of the time, funding for the soup kitchen is often out of her own pocket.
“Although it may seem hard to do sometimes due to not having enough funds, I feel blessed to be playing a positive role in the community. I just wish I could do more.”
Tsholofelo said she wishes to have sponsors and volunteers who can assist her in making other people’s lives better.
Community member Evelyn Mapetla said the soup kitchen has given Lotus a sense of a loving community.
She said it has made a difference in the community, especially for the homeless people who sometimes go to sleep on an empty stomach.
“Going to bed hungry is the most unpleasant situation to be in, but when you wake up the next day, you hear there’s a soup kitchen nearby, you feel better that at least you will have something to eat for the day.”
She said the spirit of unity that TCF has set is needed to keep the community together.
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