Local restaurant helps feed the hungry

Homeless residents who have been helped by A Ray of Hope shelter in Kalispell got an extra helping of community care on Saturday when Louie’s Deli & Grill served a meal to about 40 people in need.

The idea for the free meal came from Dustin Kenneth, manager at Louie’s.

“When we moved to Montana in 2010 they [A Ray of Hope] helped us out,” Kenneth said. “I’d been thinking about doing this. My son Tyler has been helping out at the [Ray of Hope] thrift store, so we’ve been personally involved.”

When Louie’s owners Jason and Chris Mammana gave the project their blessing, Kenneth started making arrangements.

Founded by Bob and Peggy Christensen, A Ray of Hope is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary housing for people who have fallen through the holes of the social services net. They give practical help such as free food, clothing and household goods to help people get or stay on their feet.

A Ray of Hope operates a secondhand store in the former Flathead Food Bank building at 105 Sixth Ave. W. in Kalispell.

For more information call 755-4673.