T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY - House of Compassion Executive Director Jasmine Spikes, left, and MHS Art Teacher Kirk NIehouse, right, show off some of the soup bowls students have made ahead of the annual HOC Soup Bowl Luncheon set for Sunday at the First Methodist Church.

A longstanding tradition, the House of Compassion’s annual soup luncheon offers food, pottery and camaraderie. It will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at First Methodist Church.

At a cost of $10 per adult, and $5 per child (kids 6 and under eat for free), attendees are served soup, dessert, and a beverage and get to take home the bowl. Marshalltown High School students make the bowls in advanced pottery class.

Art instructor Kirk Niehouse said pupils are required to make four bowls each quarter they’re enrolled in the course for the luncheon. (There are four quarters to a school year).

Niehouse estimates there are 300 to 500 bowls that were made for the event by around 50 students total, in grades 10-12. All bowls are glazed and are food safe. They can be placed in the microwave and dishwasher. Some pieces have hand-painted designs and many students sign their initials on the bottom of the bowls. Yearly attendees regard the bowls as collectors’ items.

“I have a number of students who have been at it all year,” he said. “By donating to this they’re helping people, but having fun doing it.”

Local restaurant Opa Grill is again donating the soup.

“I am making fresh lemon chicken rice, Rosa Maria, lentil bean, and broccoli cheddar,” said owner Yanni Coutsougeras.

The lentil bean and broccoli cheddar varieties are gluten-free. The Rosa Maria is tomato-based with orzo pasta, vegetables and ground beef. He said he is donating 25 gallons of soup for the event.

“I make double of the broccoli cheddar per their request after the first year because it’s the first one to run out,” he added. “I’m making five gallons of lemon chicken, five gallons Rosa Maria, five gallons lentil bean and 10 gallons broccoli cheddar.”

The bowls were picked up from the high school Tuesday afternoon and taken to the HOC for washing.

“We always clean them beforehand,” HOC Executive Director Jasmine Spikes noted.

The general public provides the desserts, such as cookies, cakes, brownies and cobblers. If you’d care to donate, drop off your item(s) at the HOC from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, or call in advance to make other arrangements. Goodies of all varieties will be accepted, with a preference given to those that do not require refrigeration. Spikes asks that the desserts be put in disposable tins or pans. Please label the dessert and note any potential allergens such as gluten, dairy or nuts.

“Myself, I have a gluten allergy, so I’m going to try to make some gluten-free desserts for it,” Spikes said.

Water, lemonade and coffee will also be provided. Cash or check will be accepted.

“I try to help in any way I can in general. My best way to contribute is by doing what I love and that’s cooking good food,” Coutsougeras said.

New this year is the inclusion of a silent auction. Spikes said the items up for grabs include bowls from previous years and student pieces such as plates and vases that can’t be used for serving soup.

Money raised from the silent auction will support HOC’s scholarship program for students planning to attend MCC.

“They get to realize something they enjoy doing can benefit their community. Anytime you have to do something with repetition, on the potter’s wheel, they get better with their own skill, making the bowls as well,” Niehouse said.

Funds generated from the luncheon go to the HOC’s general fund, which covers the cost of the supply closet and soup kitchen.

For more information, or to arrange a time to donate a dessert, Spikes may be reached at: 641-752-5999 and director@houseofcompassion.net.