Christmas morning
Caren and Phil Starr have been organizing the Christmas morning breakfast at Trinity ever since Caren decided the meal should be served on the holiday.
They came from Germany, Detroit, Millersburg and from Wooster. The group included a lawyer, a college professor, an antique dealer and a librarian. What they shared in common was a desire to do something special for others on Christmas morning. So many people had wanted to volunteer that there were several families who were asked to help another time instead so that the kitchen wouldn’t be too crowded.
Breakfast at Trinity is free and open to everyone Monday through Friday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the lower level of Trinity United Church of Christ, 105 E. North St., Wooster. The breakfast has been available since 1995.
“The breakfast program serves everyone,” said Rev. Dr. Kevan S. Franklin, Trinity’s pastor. “It’s not about food; it’s about creating caring community. It is an opportunity to move beyond social stereotypes and include everyone.”
In summer 1995 several teachers and cafeteria workers in the public schools started the program for school children who needed a place to get a hot breakfast when school was not in session.
“It soon became apparent there was a larger need in the community,” Franklin said, “so the program continued year round.”
It was Caren Starr who decided seven or eight years ago to take charge of having the breakfast on Christmas.
“It was Mom’s idea to start doing the breakfast on holidays. Because if you need something to eat the rest of the week, you need something to eat on Christmas as well,” said Rena Starr, Caren Starr’s daughter.
Assistant professor of communications at the College of Wooster, Rohini Singh, found out about the Christmas breakfast and volunteered to help serve with her sister, who was visiting from Germany. “I told my sister this is what we were going to do. Because you know, that’s how older sisters are.”
Volunteer Jane Taylor said, “My own family isn’t able to be here this Christmas, so I wanted to do something to give. And as a matter of fact, I worked in this same kitchen 35 years ago when it was a Head Start location.”
Caren Starr’s husband Phil explained the breakfast program is fully funded by a wide variety of donations from community members and businesses. “The College of Wooster has a program house, and they have two or three students every day that work here,” he said.
Breakfast at Trinity is definitely about more than the meal. “The breakfast program is an important place to begin the day with a hot, nutritious meal as well as good company and fellowship,” Franklin said. “Many people who attend the breakfast are searching for solutions to some of their life challenges, and we try to connect them with people and agencies that may be able to help.”
When local agencies aren’t able to help, often it’s Franklin who comes up with whatever is needed. He fills every nook and cranny of the church building with donations.
“There is a need for warm clothing and furniture,” he said. “We try to be sure that everyone has a bed to sleep on and a place to stay.”
Additionally the breakfast program is always in need of substitute workers who can be available to fill in if one of the regular crew is absent. Occasionally there are regular volunteer positions to fill as well.
Individuals who may not be in need of a free breakfast are always welcome to join in building community by sharing a meal.
To inquire about volunteering or donating cash or needed items, call Franklin at 330-264-9250 or email docksf@aol.com.
“This program really serves a strong purpose,” Ashley Jewel said. “It’s useful for a wide range of people who need meals for one reason or another. People can come here without judgment.”