Published: 11/24/2011 - Updated: 1 year ago

MLK Kitchen for the Poor

The MLK Kitchen for the Poor, which has fed hungry Toledoans for several decades, cooks on after the death of its executive director, Juanita Person. Some of her 14 siblings, many of whom already were involved in the soup kitchen, have stepped up to greater roles to keep the charity going. The kitchen's annual Thanksgiving meal was held Nov. 23, 2011. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL PHOTO, START SLIDE SHOW.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Doris Jones, left, and Paige O'Loughlin, right, hand out deserts during Thanksgiving lunch at MLK Kitchen for the Poor. A ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Mary Lou Leonard, left, of Springfield Township, and Henrietta Armstrong, right, sister of Juanita Person dish up turkey and all of the fixings at MLK Kitchen for the Poor for the annual Thanksgiving meal.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Mary Lou Leonard, left, of Springfield Township, and Henrietta Armstrong, right, sister of Juanita Person dish up turkey and all ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Harvey Savage Jr., brother of Juanita Person, welcomes guests to the Thanksgiving lunch. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Juanita Person, seen in this 2006 file photo, worked at MLK Kitchen for the Poor for more than 40 years and eventually became its executive director. Ms. Person died in August, 2011, from cancer.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Juanita Person, seen in this 2006 file photo, worked at MLK Kitchen for the Poor for more than 40 years ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Tammie Farmer, right, comforts Henrietta Armstrong as they mourn the loss of Ms. Armstrong's sister, Juanita Person. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Harvey Savage Jr., from left, Henrietta Armstrong, and Brother Leonard Mosley pray before Thanksgiving lunch at MLK Kitchen for the Poor.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Harvey Savage Jr., from left, Henrietta Armstrong, and Brother Leonard Mosley pray before Thanksgiving lunch at MLK Kitchen for the ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Former Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner, right, joins Henrietta Armstrong, left, and Leonard Mosley in prayer. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Craig Adams, of Maumee, gets a piece of chocolate cake from volunteer Paige O'Loughlin, right. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Head cook Henrietta Armstrong, left, watches as volunteers Mary Bishop, 14, from Toledo, and her brother Patrick Bishop, 12, right, prepare cranberry sauce at MLK Kitchen for the Poor as their father Patrick Bishop looks on.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Head cook Henrietta Armstrong, left, watches as volunteers Mary Bishop, 14, from Toledo, and her brother Patrick Bishop, 12, right,... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Taylor Holloway, left, of Toledo, and Mary Lou Leonard, right, of Springfield Township, prepare Thanksgiving meals. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Leonard Mosley, left, and Doris Jones greet each other at MLK Kitchen for the Poor. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Taylor Holloway, right, spoons out green beans in addition to the turkey, ham, stuffing, and macaroni and cheese with cranberry sauce that was served during Thanksgiving lunch at MLK Kitchen for the Poor.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Taylor Holloway, right, spoons out green beans in addition to the turkey, ham, stuffing, and macaroni and cheese with cranberry ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Henrietta Armstrong, head cook of MLK Kitchen for the Poor and sister of long-time executive director Juanita Person who passed away this year, receives a hug during Thanksgiving lunch. The family is determined to keep the charity going and to feed the area's hungry people.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Henrietta Armstrong, head cook of MLK Kitchen for the Poor and sister of long-time executive director Juanita Person who ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

MLK Kitchen for the Poor

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