T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY — The House of Compassion held its annual Soup Bowl fundraiser at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshalltown on Sunday, with all soups donated by Opa Grill.

The House of Compassion is probably best known in Marshalltown for its six night a week free soup suppers, so when the organization needs to raise money to support its mission, why not stick with something familiar?

The HOC hosted its annual Soup Bowl fundraiser in the basement of the St. Mary Catholic Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, with all four soups — broccoli cheese, lemon chicken rice, lentil and Rosa Maria — donated by Opa Mediterranean Grill along with bread, drinks and a potpourri of desserts baked and contributed by members of the community. Two local students — Neveah Clover and Owen Becker — also performed piano music throughout the event.

And of course, there are the bowls. Marshalltown High School art students crafted them, and attendees were free to take them home as a thank you for their generosity and a nice addition to their dish cabinets.

HOC Executive Director Chad Hammar was happy to bring back the fundraiser in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he believes it serves as an important reminder of the work the organization does within Marshalltown helping those who struggle with poverty and food insecurity.

“Events like this really do two things. Number one, they raise money for our soup kitchen, for our free evening meals, but also, they help people be aware of the other things we do too. So hopefully we pick up new partnerships along the way,” he said.

T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY — In addition to the soups served during Sunday’s House of Compassion fundraiser lunch, those who attended were treated to a wide variety of locally baked and donated desserts.

In addition to the soup meal every night but Saturday, the HOC provides limited financial assistance in the form of helping people obtain medications through vouchers, utility assistance, helping individuals who need birth certificates or identification and paying the tuition for those who wish to learn the English language. Those who qualify can also visit the supply closet and take toiletry items.

One of the programs Hammar is proudest of during his tenure leading the HOC, which he has done for just over two years now, is Job Path, which helps clients either get a job or get a better paying one. So far, it has assisted 18 households in the last year and a half.

“The whole purpose is to then set them up for success so they don’t require our services anymore,” Hammar said.

A scholarship program has also been launched for students from Marshalltown High School who plan to attend Marshalltown Community College, and this year, four students will receive $500 each.

Since its inception nearly 40 years ago, the local faith community has played a pivotal role in furthering the HOC’s mission, and that strong spirit of collaboration continues to this day.

“They told us that they would help us financially and otherwise — time, talent, treasure — and they have more than held up their end of that bargain. And it’s been fantastic,” Hammar said.

For those who were not able to attend and would still like to contribute, the HOC, which is located at 211 W. Church St., can be reached at (641) 752-5999. Monetary donations are always welcome as well as supply closet contributions and volunteers.

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Contact Robert Maharry at 641-753-6611 ext. 255 or rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.