Two Guys and Free Spaghetti celebrates 8 years, 11,500 meals served

March 26 marks eight years of serving free spaghetti with a smile for the St. Charles Episcopal Church crew. From 5 to 7 p.m. on the last Sunday of every month, Two Guys and Free Spaghetti provide a free homemade spaghetti and meatballs dinner with beverage, salad, garlic bread and homemade dessert to any and all who attend.

Eight years ago, parishioners Matt Rhead and Joe Ryan came up with an idea to offer a free meal to those in need. Since 2009, they have served 11,500 meals - that's a lotta pasta and meatball!

Guests come from all over the Fox Valley to enjoy the fellowship and great food, and range from singles and seniors, to families of all sizes.

Live music is provided by the very talented Tom Kirkland and Jeremy Glaser.

A crew of more than 35 adults and children from the parish and local community consistently volunteer to serve the spaghetti dinner either by working as a server, baker, dishwasher, food prepper, accountant, setup or cleanup.

The high schools often provide volunteers, such as students from Boy Scout Troop 25, St. Charles East's National Honor Society, St. Charles North's Key Club, and foreign exchange students.

And when there are leftovers, Lazarus House benefits, too, with the overabundance donated to the residents there.

The efforts at St. Charles Episcopal Church inspired many other local churches and organizations to jump on board with their own free meals in the Fox Valley area, including Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia, Fox Valley Presbyterian Church in Geneva, St. Mark's Lutheran Church in St. Charles, United Methodist Church of Geneva, Elburn Lions, and Burlington Methodist Church.

The church is located at 994 N. Fifth Ave. (Route 25) in St. Charles. Carryout is available. The building is wheelchair-accessible. For information, call Dallas at (630) 222-5489. Visit www.stcharlesepiscopal.org.