CORNELIA, Ga. — On any given serving day in Cornelia, a hot meal is only part of what people receive at The Lord’s Help Cornelia Soup Kitchen.
There is also a handshake. A smile. And, for many, a reminder that they matter.
“For us, serving others has never been about recognition — it’s always been about showing up,” said Leeann Waller, president of the soup kitchen. “Wherever I’ve lived, I’ve felt a responsibility to help where I can and to make sure people know they matter.”
Waller’s connection to the Cornelia Soup Kitchen grew organically after she moved to Habersham County. Her husband, Bill, volunteered every Friday, quietly and consistently. Before long, the couple began serving together on Saturdays.
“What started as lending a helping hand quickly became something deeply personal to us both,” Waller said.
The Cornelia Soup Kitchen, also known as The Lord’s Help, operates with a simple but vital mission: to ensure no one in the community goes without a hot meal, dignity or compassion. Those served include families, seniors and individuals navigating difficult seasons of life.
“Many come quietly, grateful not only for food, but for kindness and respect,” Waller said. “Hunger affects people from all walks of life, and we see that every time we open our doors.”
The kitchen relies heavily on volunteers and community support to keep meals coming. While food donations are important, Waller said financial contributions and partnerships are essential to sustaining daily operations and planning for the future.
Looking ahead, she hopes to see the soup kitchen open seven days a week — a goal that would provide more consistent support for those in need but would also require expanded resources.
“To grow, we need volunteers, financial support and local partnerships,” Waller said. “Monetary donations help us sustain daily operations and allow us to plan responsibly for what’s ahead.”
Waller emphasizes that the soup kitchen is not owned by any one person or group.
“This soup kitchen belongs to the community,” she said. “Its strength comes from neighbors helping neighbors and people choosing compassion over convenience.”
For those interested in getting involved, the Cornelia Soup Kitchen welcomes volunteers, donations and partnerships. Contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 3, Cornelia, GA 30531, or made via PayPal at CorneliaSoup@gmail.com. More information is available through the organization’s Facebook page.
“In Habersham County, small acts of service continue to make a big impact,” Waller said. “And there is always room at the table for one more.”
