From left, Linda Sawyer, Jane Lawton, Jason Scholz, Barry Scholz, Tim Virgil, Tom Chappell, Lynn Warden, Marge Howe, Charlotte Clark and Diane Guyette.

HANNAWA FALLS -- Helping Hands of Potsdam, opened its doors to community members, neighbors, volunteers and supporters Saturday, May 16 for an all-day open house and the dedication of Cindy's Friendly Kitchen.

The community kitchen, which began serving lunch earlier this year, is named after the late Cindy Talcott, the founding director and driving force behind Helping Hands.

“The establishment of the kitchen this year was part of Cindy’s original vision for Helping Hands, said Tom Chappell, director of Helping Hands. “She wanted Helping Hands to be more than a place where people in need come for groceries, housewares or fuel. She wanted it to be place where people would also come for homemade food and fellowship.”

Located in the Helping Hands building in Hannawa Falls at 5868 Highway 56, Cindy’s Friendly Kitchen is ADA-accessible. Lunch is served at noon, Monday through Thursday and is managed by a kitchen supervisor and with help from volunteers.

While donations are accepted, meals are free of charge and open to everyone.

“Please stop by and join us for lunch,” said Chappell.

Helping Hands of Potsdam, the nonprofit organization that serves people in the local community, provides compassionate assistance for those in emergency situations, including help with food, heat, utilities and furniture. The nonprofit agency also provides financial assistance with medical, dental and prescription costs as well as assistance with car repairs and donated used cars to working families through the Car Share Program.

For more information, contact Helping Hands at 268-0633.