The Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering (BES) Board of Directors demonstrated the power of hands-on leadership on Jan. 22 by preparing and serving meals to dozens of shelter residents, showcasing teamwork and their commitment to service.

The volunteer-run board, whose members come from organizations that regularly assist BES, stepped into a different role that evening. Instead of deliberating policy or planning, they donned aprons and served dinner to most of the shelter’s 70 residents, demonstrating their dedication to the organization’s mission of supporting Bethlehem’s homeless population.

A man in a gray sweatshirt and hat stands at a counter with a glass wall, behind which a man in an apron serves him food

BES board member Michael Long (right) serves food at the shelter.

“We like to help as often as we can,” said board chair Gary Dologite, who is also a member of Star of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. “Our board is here as often as our other volunteers, if not more often. I think to understand the organization’s process, you have to be a part of the process.”

The meal recipes were chosen by board member Bob Wingrove, who has been on the board for seven years and previously owned his own catering company. On Jan. 22, the board members served tacos, rice with beans, and banana Jello parfaits.

“Our board members and volunteers bring what different skills they have to help the shelter,” said Wingrove, who is also coordinator for the Freezer Ministry and Garden Gatherers. That organization cooks, packs, and freezes major quantities of food for distribution to those in need through the six Moravian churches in the Bethlehem area.

A man wearing a blue shirt and white apron standing over bowls of food in a shelter kitchen

Board member Robert Hintze helping prepare food at the shelter.

Board members Robert Hintze, Michael Long, and Joseph Tramontana also joined Dologite and Wingrove on Jan. 22. The board makes it a point to volunteer in the kitchen at least once a year, Tramontana said.

“It’s a hands-on board,” said Dologite, who is also a member of Star Bethlehem Church. “We spent most of our time deliberating, but we like to get more directly involved as well, and that’s why we’re here together tonight.”

Tramontana represents the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, and also works with groups like Education for Ministry (EFM) and Daughters of the King (DOK). He is also a BES volunteer coordinator, helping volunteers supervise meals and cleanup, particularly those from churches and organizations not used to volunteering regularly at the shelter.

“We all try to make things as easy as possible,” said Tramontana, who has been on the board for about five years.

A man wearing a blue shirt and white apron prepares food while standing next to another man in a kitchen

BES board member Bob Wingrove helping prepare dinner in the shelter kitchen.

BES currently provides 27 beds for women and 43 beds for men who identify themselves as homeless. About 70 churches and volunteer organizations regularly assist the shelter, with each assigned dates to oversee kitchen duties. When gaps arise, members of the Lehigh Valley community step in to help.

“Our goal is always to make the process seamless for the people who need us,” said Dologite. “Every meal we serve and every hand we lend reflects our commitment to this community.”

Every night from Nov 1st to April 30, BES shelter guests are provided a warm bed, home cooked meal, and showers if available. Its capacity is 70 beds per night. BES utilizes volunteers to create meals, serve meals, clean, monitor showers, assist with up-keep, and work one-on-one with guests for linkage to needed services.