Like most households, the shelter’s schedule varies from calm to chaotic. October 1st of every year marks the beginning of our chaotic time. Preparations begin in earnest for the upcoming Souper followed immediately by the holiday season. The natural rhythm of the shelter is intensified by the limited days to accomplish so much.

This October we begin knowing that the 45th Annual Thanksgiving Souper will be held on November 20th.

Many readers are familiar with the Souper, but for others Thanksgiving and soup may seem like an oxymoron.

To us at the shelter this event was started to introduce the needs of the homeless and hungry to the wider community.

By participating, individuals and families were encouraged to reflect on the many blessings shared by some and not by others. Food and shelter is a necessity not shared by everyone.

This event over the years has tried to maintain an air of simplicity and at the same time allow each participant the ability to have a direct impact upon the women we serve. All monies raised from the event are used to improve the lives of the residents we house.

The simple meal of soup and crackers served one week before a Thanksgiving feast is meant to spotlight our need to be mindful for the many blessings we receive each day. Life is sometimes so fast we forget to celebrate the basics—food and shelter.

This year, like so many in the past, we will have Chick-fil-A as the primary sponsor of the event. The owner/operators give freely of their time and product to insure the success of the event. We look forward to seeing our many friends on November 20th.

Details of the event are as follows:
Eastminster Presbyterian Church:
3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
$5.00 Minimum Donation

The Women's Shelter
3425 North Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203

803-779-4706