“We’re not asking for donations this time, we just want you to eat with us.”

“PoPville Peeps,

My Fellow Charlie’s Place volunteers and I were overwhelmed with the donations we received from the PoPville community for our Thanksgiving dinner last month. In fact, the donations allowed us to cover not only that Thanksgiving meal, but also our upcoming Christmas dinner on Dec. 20. That’s why we’re not asking for dinner donations this time, we just want you to sit down and eat with us. Come out to see Charlie’s Place, and have a delicious meal with the rest of your DC community.

Charlie’s Place provides meals and counseling to our homeless DC neighbors in Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and beyond. For our Christmas meal this year we’ve decided to expand the guest list to not just our homeless DC neighbors, but also our Charlie’s Place staff and other Charlie’s Place DC neighbors like you.

The dinner is this Thursday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. Please RSVP here so we know how many to expect. Charlie’s Place is located at 1820 Connecticut Ave. NW.

I know what you’re thinking:

• I don’t want to eat and take away food from others who need it. You WON’T. We have an abundance of Christmas food donations and are preparing more than we’ll need for the meal, in anticipation of welcoming our DC neighbors like you.
• I still don’t feel right. Ok, then you’re welcome that evening to make a donation for the cost of the meal – $5, $10 or nothing at all, whatever you decide.
• I’m not sure how to interact with the homeless. That’s ok. If you just have a meal like you’d have at any communal table at a restaurant, you’ll be fine. If you don’t want to sit down but would like to just stop by and say hello to our staff, you’re welcome to do that as well. Staff will be on hand to assist you with any questions.
• What’s for dinner? We’re glad you asked! Professional chef Alicia Mehr, owner of Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza is making a fantastic restaurant-quality meal, including options of roasted pork tenderloin with creamy mustard sauce, penne with meaty tomato sauce, New England clam chowder, mixed greens with sweet orange dressing, roasted red potatoes, collard greens, cheese or garlic French bread, and a dessert of brownies with candy cane crunch. At Charlie’s Place we pride ourselves in creating a place of dignity and respect, that’s why you’ll find that the meal is as good as any meal you’d have in a DC restaurant or home.

Please RSVP if you’re interested in joining us or if you have any questions. And thanks for your consideration. Our address is 1820 Connecticut Ave. NW. We hope to see you for dinner on Dec. 20 at 6 p.m.!

Jim Luetkemeyer

Volunteer Communications Director

Charlie’s Place“