A Cup of Love Ministries in Eureka Springs recently launched its Step up for the Cup campaign with the ambitious goal of paying off the facility’s $200,000 mortgage. The organization is a registered 501(c) (3) and is run 100 percent by donations and volunteers.
“We serve more than 500 people a month at our free daily buffet and more than 200 families from our weekly food bank,” says Pattie Jarrett, a longtime Carroll County resident. She and her husband, minister Chuck Jarrett, started the organization in 2013 serving soup on the streets to those in need, no questions asked.
In 2019 they acquired the building on East Van Buren Avenue, raising enough money for a down payment through GoFundMe. The facility has served the community well in the past seven years, offering a safe place out of the weather, a kind and healthy environment, a hot home-cooked meal and a food pantry for anyone in need.
“Our Step Up for the Cup campaign goal is to pay off the $200,000 mortgage remaining,” Jarrett says. “Without that $2,000 monthly payment, we could serve our community better. So much more is needed. Food insecurity and homelessness is still a top concern for many in Carroll County and we have seen a big rise in both.”
Without the drain of a mortgage, A Cup of Love will be able amplify its service to the community. The facility needs repairs and improvements for safe food collection and storage. And always, there is a need for more supplies.
Local resident Susan Reed – who calls herself a passionate volunteer – is a familiar face at A Cup of Love. An ardent and renowned quilter, Reed donates quilts to be raffled in civic circles with all proceeds going back to The Cup of Love. This year she is leading the Step Up for the Cup campaign, encouraging community members to step forward and lend a much-needed hand.
“We have a lot on the agenda to reach this ambitious goal,” Reed says. “Look for Step Up for the Cup donation jars at area checkout counters, donate and share the GoFundMe posts on social media, and plan to attend our community concert this summer. It’s going to be wonderful. Details to come.”
A Cup of Love has been anything but idle since moving into their facility. Improvements are ongoing. In 2023, volunteers took on several repair projects, including the task of reflooring the dining space. Volunteer Mike Reed, a Eureka Springs resident, spearheaded the project with longtime resident Jon Mourglia, affectionately known in Eureka Springs as Jon the Potter. They worked alongside “Cup” volunteers, who range in age and means.
“People rallied to do the hard work,” Reed said. “They were on their knees for a week pulling up tiles so we could get the new floor in. People who are served by A Cup of Love put their appreciation to work making the space better for everyone.”
“If people could just see how greatly appreciated and needed a hot meal and friendly place to gather is,” Jarrett said. “There is growing fellowship here. Everyone is welcomed, fed and given the kindness and encouragement they deserve. If you haven’t been to A Cup of Love recently, we invite to join us for lunch, tour the facility, and see how your donation will help us serve our community.”
A Cup of Love is located at 4032 E. Van Buren in Eureka Springs and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations can be made at CS Bank. All donations are tax-deductible.
