Merle Hatleberg

Merle Hatleberg, a former nutritionist, started the Some One Cares Soup Kitchen in 1986. She began by feeding 30 people and today her kitchen serves 250-300 men, women and children.

After being forced to move her kitchen twice, Mrs. Hatleberg found a permanent home in an empty Chinese restaurant. The kitchen operates on private donations and fund-raisers. Some local municipalities give community block grants as well.

Mrs. Hatleberg and 60 rotating volunteers keep the soup kitchen open five days a week from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00p.m. Despite being 74 and in a wheelchair, Mrs. Hatleberg drives 40 miles a day to work at her soup kitchen. She receives no monetary reimbursement for her services.