Carbondale Reporter

Alderman Michael Austin spoke during a council meeting to give updates on the city of Murphysboro.

“Well, we have a lot of very good things going on in Murphysboro,” Austin said during the meeting. “And one of the things that (have) really gained a lot of traction is (the) 724 ministries at the Walker House.”

WSILTV reported the Walker House provides a free dining service and works with the Murphysboro Food pantry to pay for the cost of meals.

Ed and Jennifer O’Donnell moved to Murphysboro in 2009 for Ed to take a job but fell in love with the city. They became involved with serving community meals through various positions and decided they wanted to spend their golden years serving. So they purchased an old house in 2018 to be able to do so.

WSILTV added Mr. O’Donnell teaches accounting at Southern Illinois University and Ms. O’Donnell retired from teaching but volunteers often. 

“We’ve been putting all of our extra income into this ministry, and we have a cook-line to finish, and so we’re going to have some help from the public because we don't have enough anymore,” Ms. O’Donnell said to WSILTV.

The first program that they have officially started is called Dinner on the House and it consists of a free meal every single Sunday. The meal runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and is always free with everybody welcome. The menu rotates from things like lasagna, chicken and dumplings, and beef stroganoff.

Mr. O’Donnell told WSILTV their effort needs volunteers.

“Volunteering is such a gratifying experience for people and surprises most people who haven’t done it,” the couple said to WSILTV. “Come out, get in touch with us. Let's set a Sunday for you to come down and help us serve. See what you think of it.”

The couple bought the Walker House to create community and outreach to more people. They renovated the historic building to have an apartment upstairs and made multiple outreach centers on the main floor including a large dining area for community meals. They are also finishing up a commercial kitchen on the ground floor.