photo by: Joselyn King
Designer Jeramiah Freeland examines his work at the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling, where he has created a “winter wonderland” this holiday season for patrons.
WHEELING – The Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling feels just a little more warm, peaceful and welcoming to patrons this holiday season.
Designer Jeramiah Freeland has given the soup kitchen a holiday makeover for Christmas, complete with a series of Christmas trees placed in the alcove and throughout the dining room.
Freeland said he has known executive director Becky Shilling-Rodocker “for quite a while.”
“I know what she does here,” he said. “I feel that everyone deserves to have a beautiful holiday. It’s not the most important thing. It’s not the most necessary thing.
“But I feel everyone should be allowed to appreciate the beauty of the season, and I don’t think that should be limited to just people who can afford to do it at their house.”
He said he wanted to give back because he believes himself “to be very fortunate.” He provides the trees and decorations used. Freeland’s decorations at the soup kitchen were unveiled earlier this week. Shilling-Rodocker said at lunch time, workers have been turning down the lighting in the dining room.
“With all the twinkling lights of Christmas, and the atmosphere, everyone is so much calmer,” she said. “People come in, and they are so amazed.”
Freeland has a day job working as the events coordinator and marketing director for the West Sports Bar. He recently started his own design business, “Designs By J, LLC.”
Freeland added that while a student at the former Wheeling Jesuit University, he volunteered at the soup kitchen. He plans to resume that in the coming year. He also plans to continue decorating the soup kitchen as the seasons change, and to decorate for each holiday season.
“I just want everybody to be happy for just one minute,” Freeland said. “If they smile for one second, that is better than none. If they can forget what’s going on in their world and relax for just one second, that is the goal.”
Shilling-Rodocker noted that if people driving past notice how beautiful the trees are in the vestibule, it is possible their perception of the soup kitchen as a dark, dirty and uninviting place will change. The Soup Kitchen has in recent months installed new flooring and furniture to help keep it a light, welcoming spot, she continued.
Because Freeland provides his own decorations, this has enabled the soup kitchen to distribute its past decorations to its clientele who want them to take home, Shilling-Rodocker said.
The soup kitchen is open each weekday for breakfast and lunch, and provides a family dinner focusing on children each Wednesday night. But beginning in January, the soup kitchen will once again be open for lunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
“That’s our last COVID change, then we’re back to normal again,” Shilling-Rodocker added.
