A true 'Victory' for the mission

SANDUSKY — The prestigious presentation of a rarely bestowed upon award represents a massive win for Victory Kitchen. During Monday's city commission meeting, the nonprofit's leadership team received a key to the city. Luke Walters — the pastor at Victory Temple, which operates Victory Kitchen, a nonprofit in Sandusky — accepted the honor. Officials scarcely distribute keys to the city. The honor spotlights local residents and/or organizations who have made significant, long-lasting community contributions. For Victory Kitchen, it's ensuring anyone in need, no questions asked, can receive a hot meal and other necessities. It specifically caters to the underserved and underprivileged populations. Founded in 1991 by Luke's late father, the Rev. Lonnie, and the family's matriarch, Nancy, its mission statement is "to be the helping hands for the lost and hurting people in the community, keeping the focus uncluttered, pure and simple." Beyond providing hot meals on weekdays, Victory Kitchen often puts together special events, especially around marquee holidays, namely Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. During these free dinner events, volunteers also give away other items — including food, gifts, clothing, among others — that people can leave with at no cost. It also offers shower facilities, counseling and other services to help residents, including the homeless. Today, Luke, his wife, Carolynne, and a host of volunteers run the operation on Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4) not far from the North Depot Street train station. "My wife and I are so grateful to serve this great city," said Luke, who has two children with Carolynne: Jesse and AJ. "We absolutely love the city of Sandusky and the surrounding areas because, when times get tough, we all join together and lift each other up," Luke said. "Together, we are making a change, one meal at a time." Luke then commended all those who always step up to support Victory Kitchen's operation. "It's a great honor to serve such a great community," Luke said. "This community is so strong." People can contact Victory Kitchen, by calling 419-627-8732 or emailing freehotmeals91@gmail.com for more information. People can also visit the nonprofit at its location, 1613 Hayes Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Proclaiming its greatness Because of these contributions, and others, city officials wanted to highlight Victory Kitchen's efforts. Before reading a proclamation aloud, city ex officio mayor Dick Brady, one of the seven commissioners approving a key designation, personally addressed Luke and his family: Tonight I have the pleasure of granting the key to the city to an organization that has nourished hundreds of thousands of people in the last 31 years right here in Sandusky. Victory Kitchen began when Rev. Lonnie Walters fed the homeless with the help of his family. His ministry grew and now his family continues his legacy and his mission of ensuring no one is hungry in our city. Victory Kitchen has served 1 million hot meals to the homeless, battered, broken and helpless members of the community of Sandusky. Full-course breakfasts and lunches, groceries, holiday meals, holiday gifts and food bags are served Monday through Friday. During the winter months, blankets, coats, hats and gloves are given to those in need. They supply children with school supplies and cold winter attire to help alleviate the costs of struggling families. Showers are provided three days a week with toiletry items for the homeless. They offer free counseling and assistance in completing applications for employment and for community assistance programs. Their facility is not government funded, but they continue their mission with the support of our community. Our government supports you. Victory Kitchen began humbly, but it has grown to meet the ever-changing needs of our community. When the pandemic halted operations in their dining room, the staff knew they couldn't shut their doors. Instead, they served hungry people through their window. The window was worn out and was replaced. They never stopped providing a life-changing service to so many families in our city. Pastor Luke, Pastor Carolynne and everyone on your staff, you will never know the magnitude of your work, but your community sees the immense good you do each and every day. We thank you for your unwavering dedication to fighting hunger in Sandusky. To commemorate your efforts, I now am pleased to present to you, the keys to the City of Sandusky. May God bless you and all you serve. - Appreciate news from your community? Click here to subscribe to the Register.