Empty Bowls is an important part of Chico history, having gone on for 25+ years now. Empty Bowls this year was hosted at Pleasant Valley High School’s cafeteria. The event is organized by True North Housing Alliance, and supports Chico’s local Torres shelter, a shelter for those without a home. Ticket admissions were $15 online, and $20 at entry, supplying soup and a bowl made by a student in the local Chico area, or by a person staying at the Torres shelter. Empty Bowls started at 5 PM on Wednesday, February 26th, and ended at 8:15 PM.
Various volunteers helped at Empty Bowls, such as Grace. They said the reason they volunteered was because they “heard about it through [their] surroundings clubs,” eventually “decid[ing] to sign up for it because it’s a good cause”. Grace admits “[they] [were] a little slow in the beginning, but eventually really enjoyed it”. Grace volunteering demonstrates the help needed to keep Empty Bowls running smoothly and making sure this good event continues for years to come . Various other people were at Empty Bowls supporting the Torres shelter, either by donating, buying more bowls, or even by purchasing desert. Because of all the support from people, Empty Bowls sold out on their tickets! The soup was delicious, and the hand-made bowls were amazing!
A Supporter of Empty Bowls included Mrs. Morretti. Mrs. Morretti says Empty Bowls “is one of the greatest joys of [her] life besides [her] children and grandchildren,” having done it for “20 plus years now”. Mrs. Morretti has also been “so happy with how smoothly [Empty Bowls] runs,” and the “beautiful bowls made by kids” at Empty Bowls. Empty Bowls throughout it’s operation on February 26th, had local high school jazz bands play songs, filling the atmosphere with joy and melody. One of the many songs played was I’m Beginning to See the Light. As the sun lowered, and shifts ended, people kept arriving to support Empty Bowls and have a fun time. Various activities at Empty Bowls included enjoying the amazing desserts, and being treated wonderfully by the volunteers.
Empty Bowls served 1,230 people in 2024, and housed nearly 200. The impact of Empty Bowls and of people going there, volunteering, and donating, allowed for many to get housed, an important thing they did not have before. All of this done in collaboration by various people in the community demonstrates the teamwork and support needed to maintain and create good causes. If people around the community do not support minorities, the cycle of ignorance may continue.
