SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Four years ago, Kathy Kauffman Smith had one interaction that sparked an idea. It started with her making about 30 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in her house each week and distributing them to the local organizations helping the homeless. Now, PBJ Springfield has evolved, with groups across the city coming together to make sandwiches for people in need.
"We deliver to 13 different places in Springfield," Kauffman Smith said. "We deliver to outdoor pantries where we know the unhoused go to get their food, and we also go to Inner City Mission, Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery, Washington Street Mission, Saint John's Bread Line, Salvation Army, Grace Food Pantry, Helping Hands, the veterans shelter, so we serve all types of people who are hungry."
For three years, a dedicated group of women has gathered at the Brinkerhoff Mansion to assemble sandwiches. Every Tuesday, they show up to spread peanut butter and jelly on hundreds of pieces of bread. They are part of the mission that in November, assembled a record-breaking 5,000 PB and Js in one week for the community. On average, they make 2,500 to 3,000 sandwiches each week.
"I wouldn't miss it unless I absolutely have to — it's one of the highlights of my week," said Rhonda Briest, who has been volunteering with PBJ Springfield for three years. "I know for some people it is their only meal for the day, and I'm so grateful to be a part of that."
In their most recent assembly day, the women made more than 800 sandwiches in less than an hour and a half. Some build each sandwich themselves, while others create an assembly line. A large portion of the supplies they use is donated by community groups and organizations, who host peanut butter and jelly drives.
"The Springfield community is very, very wonderful, and they're helping and donating as we get closer to the holiday season," Kauffman Smith said. "It's very humbling to see how many people really just want to help the community."
To learn more about the mission of PBJ Springfield and how you can help, visit the organization's Facebook page.
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