More than 1,000 handmade bowls are being donated by Indian River Clay potters, with soup and pottery on offer at the Heritage Center and over 20 venues across Indian River County to aid homeless families.
Indian River Clay potters are contributing over 1,000 handcrafted bowls; soup and pottery will be available at the Heritage Center and more than 20 locations throughout Indian River County to support families without homes.
Soup bowls crafted by hand
Over 1,000 handmade bowls have been donated by Indian River Clay potters, with soup and pottery accessible at the Heritage Center and 20-plus sites across Indian River County to assist homeless families.
Indian River Clay potters donate 1,000+ bowls; soup and pottery available at Heritage Center and 20+ locations across Indian River County to support homeless
You'll help some of the neediest in our community, and in return, receive artfully crafted bowls that serve as gifts, keepsakes and powerful reminders of your kindness.”— Renee Bireley, Samaritan Center Development ManagerVERO BEACH, FL, UNITED STATES, October 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach's Samaritan Center is scheduled to host its 34th annual Soup Bowl fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Vero Beach Heritage Center.
This long-standing community tradition provides handmade pottery and soup in return for donations. Participating businesses, houses of worship, and community groups will also serve soup and offer bowls at their own venues across Indian River County. For further event information, check out the Samaritan Center Soup Bowl on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamaritanCenterSoupBowl/
The Soup Bowl supports a straightforward mission: each family deserves more than just shelter. They are entitled to dignity, stability, and hope for what lies ahead. The Samaritan Center operates a 24/7 shelter and care program for homeless families, keeping families together while delivering case management, counseling, trauma support, life skills training, and educational initiatives that pave the way to independence. Since its inception, the Center has assisted 750 families—including over 1,250 children—in building brighter futures.
“By simply purchasing a bowl of soup or pottery, anyone can join us in helping families move from homelessness to living on their own,” said Renee Bireley, Samaritan Center Development Manager. “You'll help some of the neediest in our community, and in return, receive artfully crafted bowls that serve as gifts, keepsakes and powerful reminders of your kindness.”
Once again, Indian River Clay potters are creating and donating more than 1,000 unique bowls.
“We are honored to host Treasure Coast potters and volunteers in creating the bowls, making this a true community partnership,” said Kim Mayo, a representative of Indian River Clay.
On Nov. 5, soup and pottery will be on hand at the Heritage Center and at more than 20 participating locations throughout Indian River County. Soup is available for a $5 donation per bowl or $15 per quart. Handmade pottery bowls can be obtained for an additional $20 donation each.
“We're honored to host this event and come together to raise awareness and help homeless families in our community,” said Leslie McKenzie, Executive Director of the Vero Beach Heritage Center. “The Heritage Center was founded in 1991 to preserve and strengthen our community, and the Soup Bowl is a perfect reflection of that mission.”
Soup Bowl History
The Soup Bowl started 34 years ago when the Samaritan Center's Advisory Board realized that a simple bowl of soup was often the only meal a homeless person received each day. The board adopted the soup bowl as a symbol that, even in an abundant world, many people still lack life's essentials. Collaborating with the artists of Indian River Clay, the board established a community fundraiser that continues to raise critical funds for families today.
About Samaritan Center
Samaritan Center is a transitional residential facility for homeless families with dependent children in Indian River County. Open to families of all faiths, the Center equips parents with the skills needed to live independently. Samaritan Center is a core program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach and a funded partner of United Way of Indian River County and the Indian River County Children's Services Advisory Council. The Soup Bowl raises awareness and vital funding for the families Samaritan Center serves.
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Melissa Perlman
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