(EDITOR’S NOTE: NeedNexus is committed to giving back to the community. Part of our efforts is to recognize the work of a non-profit organization each week in our blog. This week, we’re recognizing the Westerville Area Resource Ministry’s “Westerville Area Kids Lunch Club”)

Westerville resident Elsie Hunt has a regular lunch date with her four children and 100 others in the city.

Hunt and her children are among those who attend Westerville Area Resource Ministry’s “Westerville Area Kids Lunch Club” each weekday through the summer at Ridgewood Park.

Staff members and volunteers serve lunches each day at 11:45 a.m. to all who attend and organize educational and recreational activities after the meal.

“They have been wonderful,” Hunt said. “They provide food and activities for my children and promote getting along. I also get to meet new people.”

WARM Project Coordinator Deb Wallace said the program looks to expand to more sites through the area next year.

"This program has a nice neighborhood feel to it,” she said. “The parents stick around with their kids. This has been meaningful to the families.”

The games and educational activities have been a hit with participants.

“A lot of these kids usually play video games during the summer,” said Jason Longanbach, a Lewis Center volunteer who helps organize the activities. "It's nice to see them break a sweat and be active."

To volunteer for the program, call Wallace at 614-899-0196.

(CAPTIONS: Top, volunteer Jason Longanbach tries to avoid a dodge ball from a program participant. Right, volunteer LauraKate Bayman serves a young program participant).