Mary'S Kitchen

“The tax return is distributed to officers for simultaneous review.”

“The organization annually discusses as part of the first meeting of the year.”

“Approved by the board of directors and documented in the minutes.”

“The organization makes its governing documents and financial statements available to the public upon request.”

“The purpose of mary's kitchen is to provide food, clothing and basic services that support and enhance the quality of life for the hungry and the homeless in our area. Mary's kitchen feeds an average of 175 breakfasts and hot lunches a day and prepares a "bag meal" to take along for their dinner. Clothing and shoes are distributed weekly along with socks, underwear and toiletries. Showers and laundry facilities are also provided. Clients can use mary's physical address as their mailing address. Our goal is to continue mary's legacy of providing for the homeless. Mary's kitchen was founded on christian principles, including compassion and respect for human dignity. Mary mcanena, affectionately called the "mother theresa of orange county", began feeding the homeless in hart park in 1984. All morning long she would prepare warm meals in her home and deliver them to her homeless friends in nearby hart park. In 1994, with the cooperation of the city of orange, mary's kitchen was born in a maintenance lot on struck avenue, next to the orange police department. Mary passed away in december of 2003, a few months shy of her 101st birthday. Mary's kitchen is a federally approved 501-c3 non-profit corporation and is operated by a board of directors consisting of 3 local citizens who are not paid and one compensated board member. All operating funds come from voluntary donations and all services are rendered by local volunteers. Our clients consist of perhaps 85% males and 15% females and children. Many live along the santa ana river or in their vehicle. Large food quantities are provided by many generous local markets. Our board of director's chairperson and ceo, gloria suess, was a close friend of mary's and is dedicated to carrying out mary's mission.”