KindWorks

Clean Up Sangamore Road & Surrounding Area
2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Starbucks on Sangamore, 4611-E Sangamore Road, Bethesda, MD, United States
Join forces with other volunteers to clean up Sangamore Road in Bethesda, one of the area roads that KindWorks has “adopted.” We’ll work alongside the Little Falls Watershed Alliance to remove invasive weeds. You can choose to pick up litter along the road or to clear away some of the invasive weeds that are strangling the plants in the surrounding neighborhood parkland. (Don’t worry–we’ll get instruction on what to pull before we start.)

So grab a friend or two and join us to have fun and enjoy the fresh air while helping the environment! We meet at the Starbucks, set out from there, and then finish up back at the Starbucks.

Student Service Learning
Students can earn SSL hours.
Safety Reminder
As with all KindWorks projects, when you register you do so with the understanding that volunteering may involve physical activity, the handling of sharp objects and cooking apparatus, the lifting of heavy objects, contact with unidentified and unfamiliar persons, and will require the exercise of reasonable care to avoid injury and/or damage, and agree to assume any and all risks of personal injury or property damage.

Learn more about this KindWorks program

Bethesda Cleanup

Pack and Distribute Summer Fun Stuff Donations
2025-05-15 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-14 12:00 - 17:00 | Bender JCC, JCC, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, 20852
Help pack and distribute Summer Fun Sacks for children in our area. All donations will be stored, sorted, and packed at the Bender Jewish Community Center (6125 Montrose Road). Kindly sign up for the 12pm-3pm shift and/or the 3pm-5pm shift.
Student Service Learning
High School Students can earn SSL hours for participation.
Safety Reminder
As with all KindWorks projects, when you register you do so with the understanding that volunteering may involve physical activity, the handling of sharp objects and cooking apparatus, the lifting of heavy objects, contact with unidentified and unfamiliar persons, and will require the exercise of reasonable care to avoid injury and/or damage, and agree to assume any and all risks of personal injury or property damage.
Learn more about this KindWorks program

SFS Packing/Distributing

Monthly Giveaway for Refugees and Newcomers
2025-05-15 12:00 - 15:30 | 6155 64th Ave Riverdale, MD 20737, 64th Avenue, East Riverdale, Maryland, 20737, United States
Together, let’s create a tapestry of hope and support for refugees and newcomers in our community.
Join us for our Monthly Giveaway, where we come together to share essential items and warm smiles. Held on the third Thursday of each month from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM at 6155 64th Ave, Riverdale, MD 20737, this event provides toys, kitchen items, home supplies, and clothing to those in need. We invite you to contribute and volunteer in one of three ways:

Drop Off Donations (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM): Simply drop off your donated items at the given address. Whether it’s gently used toys, kitchen supplies, or clothing, every donation makes a difference.
Donate & Set Up (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Bring your items and stay to help us set up and welcome participants. This is a rewarding opportunity to interact with refugees and provide support personally.
Host & Clean Up (1:00 PM – Until Cleanup is Finished): Join us without donations but lend your time and energy to organize, host, and wrap up the giveaway. Your help with cleaning up and making sure everything runs smoothly is invaluable.

Note: If you have time and are interested, you are welcome to join us from the beginning until the end of the event or just sign up for the Donate & Set Up section.
Sign up below. If you have questions please email mhrangiz.azami@dokindworks.org. We look forward to working together and making a difference!
Donation Guidelines
All donated items should be new or very gently used. In addition, all donations must be clean and completely free of pet hair, cobwebs, and cigarette smoke. For donated bed linens, package same-size linens together in a bag or box that is labeled with the bedding size contained therein.
Safety Reminder
As with all KindWorks projects, when you register you do so with the understanding that volunteering may involve physical activity, the handling of sharp objects and cooking apparatus, the lifting of heavy objects, contact with unidentified and unfamiliar persons, and will require the exercise of reasonable care to avoid injury and/or damage, and agree to assume any and all risks of personal injury or property damage.
Learn more about this KindWorks program

Monthly Giveaway for Refugees and Newcomers

Please mention in the comments if you speak Spanish, Persian, or Arabic.

Make Turkish Style Lentil Soup to Share With Others
2025-05-12 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual Gathering, United States
Join KindChef Leni to make a Turkish Style Lentil Soup (based on this recipe from MonamiFood.)
After completing your soup, freeze and label it for donation, then drop off at one of our participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or anyplace that you prefer, when convenient. Finally, report on where you shared your KindSoup and spread the word: Post a picture or two of you and your soups on social media with #DoKindWorks and tag us @DoKindWorks.
Connect to Zoom event

Turkish Style Lentil Soup

Ingredients

4 cups split red lentils
12 cups water
6 tablespoons Penzeys Turkish Seasoning (or make your own Turkish seasoning — See recipe below)
Extra virgin olive oil, to taste

Optional

Spring mix, baby spinach or frozen chopped spinach
Canned chickpeas
Fresh squeezed lemon juice or lemon wedges
Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
Penzeys Resist! spice mix, to taste, if desired

Instructions

Inspect the lentils. Put the lentils into a strainer, and put the strainer into a bowl. Carefully inspect the lentils, and if you see foreign matter, remove it.
Clean the lentils. Run water over the lentils in the strainer inside the bowl. Swish the lentils around in the water. Pour off the cloudy water. After doing this three or four times, the water will run almost clear. Let the excess water drain from the lentils.
Cook the lentils. Follow the package directions for cooking. Or use these basic directions for split red lentils: In a medium size pot, heat the water to boiling. Add the lentils to the pot. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a moderate simmer. Cover the pot with the lid, leaving it little bit ajar. Simmer for 6 – 12 minutes, until the lentils look and taste cooked to you. I consider split red lentils done when I can the little dot (germ) of the lentil is still somewhat visible. Then I take the pot off the heat and let it sit to finish cooking. This keeps the lentils from turning into a mush.
Add the Turkish Seasoning. When the lentils are cooked, mix in Penzeys Turkish Seasoning. This recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of Turkish Seasoning. But I add about half of the amount and then taste as I got. If you store the soup in the fridge or freezer, it will probably need more seasoning. So when I give this soup to friends, I add a little baggie with some extra Penzeys Turkish seasoning.
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over each bowl of soup or mix it into the soup. The olive oil adds great flavor and lots of good-for-you polyphenols, too! Note: If you are making a large quantity to donate to a shelter, mix the olive oil into the soup.

Optional

Spinach (fresh or frozen) or spring mix (fresh): Add a heap of baby spinach or spring mix to a microwaveable container. Cover the container with a lid that allows steam to escape. Place the container with the spinach/spring mix into your microwave. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the greens are wilted. Use a scissors to cut the the greens into smaller pieces and then add them to your soup. For frozen spinach, microwave for less than the minimum amount of time given on the bag of frozen spinach.
Cooked/canned chickpeas: Great for adding texture and more protein and fiber. My favorite chickpeas are the Jovial Organic Chick Peas. They come in jars. I like add the cooking liquid from these chickpeas to my soup.
Fresh-squeezed lemon juice adds a nice tang. Be careful not to add too much. You can always add more at the table.
Cilantro or parsley. Nice as a garnish.
Penzeys Resist! spice mix. Pass at the table so people who want a more spicy/hot soup, can add their own.

Homemade Turkish Seasoning (Penzeys-Style)

Ingredients:
2 tbsp sweet paprika
1 tbsp Aleppo pepper (or substitute with 1½ tsp crushed red pepper + ½ tsp smoked paprika)
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp granulated garlic
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt (optional)
¼ tsp ground allspice (adds warmth, common in Turkish blends)
Optional: ½ tsp ground coriander or a pinch of clove for depth
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Store in an airtight container away from light and heat.
Use within 6 months for peak freshness.

Health and Safety Information
In order to protect the the quality of our KindSoup program, we ask that volunteers conscientiously observe the following guidelines:

Start with clean hands and wash again frequently as needed throughout the cooking process.
Start with clean kitchen surfaces and utensils (antibacterial wipes do a great job).
Keep longer hair tied back.
Follow other common sense procedures, such as never returning a tasting spoon to the pot!

Thank you for maintaining a high cleanliness standard for our KindSoup donations!
How to Donate Your KindSoup
Seal containers with a tight lid and freeze. Label each container with: date prepared, your first name and last initial, “Turkish Style Lentil Soup” and any relevant food allergy info. When convenient, drop containers of frozen soup off at one of the following participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or a place that you prefer.

5171 Manning Place NW (in the Palisades neighborhood in DC). NOTE: Soups dropped here must be vegetarian or Halal only, please.
Rainbow Community Development Center 12120 Tech Road, Silver Spring (this takes you to the rear parking lot and loading dock – there is usually a large RAINBOW truck parked here): Drop-off Monday-Friday 9am-2pm. NOTE: If you go during Rainbow’s food distributions on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 9am-noon, you may see a long line of cars – you can drive past the cars to drop off your KindSoup. If you go at other times and the garage or back door is not open, call or text Anna on her personal cell at 301-852-4184 (if she doesn’t answer, leave a message and she should get back within a few minutes, or try calling the Rainbow Pantry cellphone: 240-639-2293)
So What Else 4924 Wyaconda Road, Rockville, 240-705-4345. (Look for the Dogtopia. Drive straight past Doptopia to get to our parking lot. The entrance will be on the right hand side as you pull into the parking lot. After you park, walk up to the glass door at the bottom of the black ramp, ring the doorbell, let the team know you’ve arrived to drop off KindSoups): Drop-off Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturdays 7am-12pm.
Upcounty Consolidation Hub 12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown (supporting 1,000 families with food and other supports). Drop off Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays 8 am-4:30 pm.
Embry Rucker Shelter 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-437-1975. Leave donations on the table around the back. Drop off anytime!

Here are some options for donating outside the DC area:

NYC Community Fridges located throughout New York City.
Bread and Roses 58 Newbury St., Lawrence, Mass., 978-681-8768. Drop off Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm.
The Bristol Lodge 27 Lexington St., Waltham, Mass., 781-893-0108. Drop off Mondays-Fridays, 9am-6pm.
Community Refrigerators located in Los Angeles

See you in the KindSoup kitchen!
Learn more about this KindWorks program

Pack and Distribute Summer Fun Stuff Donations
2025-05-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Bender JCC, JCC, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, 20852
Help pack and distribute Summer Fun Sacks for children in our area. All donations will be packed at the Bender Jewish Community Center (6125 Montrose Road).
Student Service Learning
High School Students can earn SSL hours for participation.
Safety Reminder
As with all KindWorks projects, when you register you do so with the understanding that volunteering may involve physical activity, the handling of sharp objects and cooking apparatus, the lifting of heavy objects, contact with unidentified and unfamiliar persons, and will require the exercise of reasonable care to avoid injury and/or damage, and agree to assume any and all risks of personal injury or property damage.
Learn more about this KindWorks program

SFS Packing/Distributing

Har Shalom KindSoup - Corn & Spinach Soup to Share With Others
2025-05-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Gathering, United States
Join KindChef Marj Klein to make a Corn & Spinach Soup for Har Shalom’s Sunday KindSoup. All are welcome – whether Har Shalom congregants or not!
After completing your soup, freeze and label it for donation, then drop off at one of our participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or anyplace that you prefer, when convenient. Finally, report on where you shared your KindSoup and spread the word: Post a picture or two of you and your soups on social media with #DoKindWorks and tag us @DoKindWorks.
Contact Marj to Participate

Corn & Spinach Soup

Ingredients

6 ears or 4 cans (drained) corn
1 Tbsp canola oil
2 large onions, diced
2 leeks, halved and thinly sliced
4 carrots, diced
3 large potatoes, diced
10 cups water or vegetable broth
10 oz spinach leaves, chopped
1 small can Ro-tel (or other brand) diced tomatoes & chilies (for less spicy soup use 1 can diced tomatoes instead)
Salt and pepper

*If using fresh corn: Cut kernels from cob without cutting all the way to the cob. Using the back of a knife, scrape cobs to extract milky liquid, reserve.
Instructions

Heat oil on medium. Add onion, leeks, and pinch of salt. Cook 5 mins, stirring frequently.
Add carrots, potatoes, and water/broth. Bring to a boil.
Stir in corn (and corn liquid). Reduce heat, cover, simmer 20 mins.
Blend half of mixture until smooth then return to pot. Add salt and pepper.
Stir in tomatoes and spinach. Adjust seasonings. Remove from heat.

Health and Safety Information
In order to protect the the quality of our KindSoup program, we ask that volunteers conscientiously observe the following guidelines:

Start with clean hands and wash again frequently as needed throughout the cooking process.
Start with clean kitchen surfaces and utensils (antibacterial wipes do a great job).
Keep longer hair tied back.
Follow other common sense procedures, such as never returning a tasting spoon to the pot!

Thank you for maintaining a high cleanliness standard for our KindSoup donations!
How to Donate Your KindSoup
Seal containers with a tight lid and freeze. Label each container with: date prepared, your first name and last initial, “Corn & Spinach Soup” and any relevant food allergy info. When convenient, drop containers of frozen soup off at one of the following participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or a place that you prefer.

5171 Manning Place NW (in the Palisades neighborhood in DC). NOTE: Soups dropped here must be vegetarian or Halal only, please.
Rainbow Community Development Center 12120 Tech Road, Silver Spring (this takes you to the rear parking lot and loading dock – there is usually a large RAINBOW truck parked here): Drop-off Monday-Friday 9am-2pm. NOTE: If you go during Rainbow’s food distributions on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 9am-noon, you may see a long line of cars – you can drive past the cars to drop off your KindSoup. If you go at other times and the garage or back door is not open, call or text Anna on her personal cell at 301-852-4184 (if she doesn’t answer, leave a message and she should get back within a few minutes, or try calling the Rainbow Pantry cellphone: 240-639-2293).
So What Else 4924 Wyaconda Road, Rockville, 240-705-4345. (Look for the Dogtopia. Drive straight past Doptopia to get to our parking lot. The entrance will be on the right hand side as you pull into the parking lot. After you park, walk up to the glass door at the bottom of the black ramp, ring the doorbell, let the team know you’ve arrived to drop off KindSoups): Drop-off Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturdays 7am-12pm.
Upcounty Consolidation Hub 12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown (supporting 1,000 families with food and other supports). Drop off Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays 8 am-4:30 pm.
Embry Rucker Shelter 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-437-1975. Leave donations on the table around the back. Drop off anytime!

Here are some options for donating outside the DC area:

NYC Community Fridges located throughout New York City.
Bread and Roses 58 Newbury St., Lawrence, Mass., 978-681-8768. Drop off Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm.
The Bristol Lodge 27 Lexington St., Waltham, Mass., 781-893-0108. Drop off Mondays-Fridays, 9am-6pm.
Community Refrigerators located in Los Angeles

See you in the KindSoup kitchen!
Learn more about this KindWorks program

Sort and Pack Summer Fun Stuff Donations
2025-05-07 13:00 - 17:00 | Bender JCC, JCC, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, 20852
Help sort and pack Summer Fun Sacks for children in our area. All donations will be stored, sorted, and packed at the Bender Jewish Community Center (6125 Montrose Road). Kindly sign up for the 1pm-3pm shift and/or the 3pm-5pm shift.
More dates to come. Please check back.
Student Service Learning
High School Students can earn SSL hours for participation.
Safety Reminder
As with all KindWorks projects, when you register you do so with the understanding that volunteering may involve physical activity, the handling of sharp objects and cooking apparatus, the lifting of heavy objects, contact with unidentified and unfamiliar persons, and will require the exercise of reasonable care to avoid injury and/or damage, and agree to assume any and all risks of personal injury or property damage.
Learn more about this KindWorks program

SFS Sorting/Packing

Drop off items needed for the Makai-Family of 3 just resettling in Bethesda
2025-05-07 - 2025-05-18 | Silver Spring (exact location provided after signup), MD, United States
Help create a home for a newly resettling Afghan family of three: mom, dad, and a 19-year-old with a medical condition (down-syndrome) has just moved to Bethesda, Maryland. Let’s extend a warm welcome to them by transforming their apartment into a cozy and welcoming home! Your willingness to assist is deeply appreciated by this family.
While the family has some essentials (furnitures), they still need additional items to make their new home complete. We kindly ask that items be dropped off directly with the family as soon as possible. You can contact Mom directly by text to arrange a convenient time to meet them. We hope you’ll participate in this wonderful opportunity to meet the family and welcome them to our community!
If you prefer, you can also order items to be sent directly to the family’s address. Upon signing up to contribute, you will receive Mom’s name, contact information, and address. Please inform him of any packages you send so he can be on the lookout for them.
Thank you for your generosity and support in helping this family settle into their new home!
Donation Guidelines
Furniture must be in very good condition, with no chips, tears, or stains. Other household goods should be new or very gently used. In addition, all donations must be clean and completely free of pet hair, cobwebs, and cigarette smoke. For donated bed linens, package same-size linens together in a bag or box that is labeled with the bedding size contained therein.
Please ONLY bring those items for which you have signed up unless you have been in touch with the mom or (me at 202 873 0632- since Makai has language barrier) and received confirmation to bring specific additional items. The family of 3 will be living in small apt, so Less is More!! We appreciate your generosity and your understanding!
Safety Reminder
As with all KindWorks projects, when you register you do so with the understanding that volunteering may involve physical activity, the handling of sharp objects and cooking apparatus, the lifting of heavy objects, contact with unidentified and unfamiliar persons, and will require the exercise of reasonable care to avoid injury and/or damage, and agree to assume any and all risks of personal injury or property damage.
Learn more about this KindWorks program

Drop off items needed for the Makai-Family of 3 just resettling in Bethesta

Make Lentil Tomato Soup to Share With Others
2025-05-05 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual Gathering, United States
Join KindChef Deb to make a Lentil Tomato Soup (based on this recipe from the New York Times.) After completing your soup, freeze and label it for donation, then drop off at one of our participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or anyplace that you prefer, when convenient. Finally, report on where you shared your KindSoup and spread the word: Post a picture or two of you and your soups on social media with #DoKindWorks and tag us @DoKindWorks.
Connect to Zoom event

Lentil Tomato Soup

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter
5 ⅓ cups heavy cream
8 medium shallots, finely chopped
4 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes
4 (15-ounce) cans lentils, rinsed
8 cups of water
Salt

Instructions

In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Carefully add 4 cups heavy cream and bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce the temperature to medium and simmer, occasionally stirring for 5 minutes, until the cream thickens, reduces to about a third of its initial volume, and resembles melted cheese while developing brown bits around the pot.
Add the shallots and continue stirring for 4 to 5 minutes, until there’s very little cream at the bottom and caramelized brown bits all around the sides of the pot.
Add the tomatoes and their juices, crushing them with your hands as you add them to the pot, or crush them inside the pot, using a potato masher. Add the lentils, 8 cups of water and a big pinch of salt to season all the liquid. Scrape the brown bits off the bottom and sides of the pot into the liquid, using a wooden spoon or spatula.
Bring to a boil over medium-high. Partly cover the pot with a lid and boil, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Add the remaining 1 ⅓ cup of cream and season with more salt, if needed.
Serve right away, or blend the soup using an immersion blender until as creamy as desired.

Health and Safety Information
In order to protect the the quality of our KindSoup program, we ask that volunteers conscientiously observe the following guidelines:

Start with clean hands and wash again frequently as needed throughout the cooking process.
Start with clean kitchen surfaces and utensils (antibacterial wipes do a great job).
Keep longer hair tied back.
Follow other common sense procedures, such as never returning a tasting spoon to the pot!

Thank you for maintaining a high cleanliness standard for our KindSoup donations!
How to Donate Your KindSoup
Seal containers with a tight lid and freeze. Label each container with: date prepared, your first name and last initial, “Lentil Tomato Soup” and any relevant food allergy info. When convenient, drop containers of frozen soup off at one of the following participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or a place that you prefer.

Here2Help @ Bethesda Presbyterian Church, 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda. (Go down driveway next to brick house just before the church on Clarendon and look for coolers labeled for soup donations). Drop off Sundays, 10 am-12 noon.
Rainbow Community Development Center 12120 Tech Road, Silver Spring (this takes you to the rear parking lot and loading dock – there is usually a large RAINBOW truck parked here): Drop-off Monday-Friday 9am-2pm. NOTE: If you go during Rainbow’s food distributions on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 9am-noon, you may see a long line of cars – you can drive past the cars to drop off your KindSoup. If you go at other times and the garage or back door is not open, call or text Anna on her personal cell at 301-852-4184 (if she doesn’t answer, leave a message and she should get back within a few minutes, or try calling the Rainbow Pantry cellphone: 240-639-2293)
So What Else 4924 Wyaconda Road, Rockville, 240-705-4345. (Look for the Dogtopia. Drive straight past Doptopia to get to our parking lot. The entrance will be on the right hand side as you pull into the parking lot. After you park, walk up to the glass door at the bottom of the black ramp, ring the doorbell, let the team know you’ve arrived to drop off KindSoups): Drop-off Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturdays 7am-12pm.
Upcounty Consolidation Hub 12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown (supporting 1,000 families with food and other supports). Drop off Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays 8 am-4:30 pm.
Embry Rucker Shelter 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-437-1975. Leave donations on the table around the back. Drop off anytime!

Here are some options for donating outside the DC area:

NYC Community Fridges located throughout New York City.
Bread and Roses 58 Newbury St., Lawrence, Mass., 978-681-8768. Drop off Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm.
The Bristol Lodge 27 Lexington St., Waltham, Mass., 781-893-0108. Drop off Mondays-Fridays, 9am-6pm.
Community Refrigerators located in Los Angeles

See you in the KindSoup kitchen!
Learn more about this KindWorks program

KindSoup for Students - Make Lemony Carrot and Cauliflower Soup to Share With Others
2025-05-04 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual Gathering, United States
Join KindChef Deb online for KindSoup for Students as we make a Lemony Carrot and Cauliflower Soup (based on this recipe from New York Times.) After completing your soup, and sharing some with your family, freeze and label the rest for donation, then drop off at one of our participating food assistance providers.
Students can earn 1 Student Service Learning Hour for every 2 quarts of frozen soup made with the group and delivered to others. There is a maximum of 8 quarts that can qualify for any given day (4 hours). Most recipes render at least 6 quarts of soup, 3 SSL hours.
In order to receive SSL Hours

take a picture during preparation and at delivery
report on where you shared your KindSoup
Complete this SSL Form

Connect to Zoom event

Lemony Carrot and Cauliflower Soup

Ingredients

1/4 cup coriander seeds
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, more for serving
4 large white onions, peeled and diced (8 cups)
18 cups water
8 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
20 medium carrots (4 pounds), peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces (8 cups)
2 tablespoons kosher salt, more as needed
3/4 cup white miso
4 small heads (or 2 large heads) of cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/2 cup lemon juice, more to taste
Smoky chile powder, for serving
Coarse sea salt, for serving
Cilantro leaves, for serving

Soup Instructions

In a large, dry pot over medium heat, toast coriander seeds until fragrant and dark golden-brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a mortar and pestle and coarsely crush.
Return the pot to medium heat. Add the oil and heat until warm. Stir in onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly colored, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add carrots, crushed coriander, salt and 18 cups water to the pot. Stir in the miso until it dissolves. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook, uncovered, 5 minutes. Stir in cauliflower and cook, covered, over medium-low heat until the vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes.
Remove the soup from the heat. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, you can let soup cool slightly then purée it in batches in a food processor or blender.) If necessary, return the puréed soup to the heat to warm through. Stir in the lemon zest and juice just before serving. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with chile, sea salt and cilantro leaves.

Health and Safety Information
In order to protect the the quality of our KindSoup program, we ask that volunteers conscientiously observe the following guidelines:

Start with clean hands and wash again frequently as needed throughout the cooking process.
Start with clean kitchen surfaces and utensils (antibacterial wipes do a great job).
Keep longer hair tied back.
Follow other common sense procedures, such as never returning a tasting spoon to the pot!

Thank you for maintaining a high cleanliness standard for our KindSoup donations!
STUDENTS:
Prior to our Sunday, May 4th cooking session:

Confirm your participation by signing up at the bottom of this page
Gather your ingredients
Make sure that you have either a Soup Pot large enough to hold all of this soup, or two smaller ones that will together hold it all
Have 6 quart sized plastic soup containers with tight fitting lids (ask your neighbors if you could have theirs rather than them recycling them – they will be thrilled)

Have all of your ingredients and cooking tools out and ready for when you sign on to our zoom at 5pm. (long hair should be tied back, and everyone should start with freshly washed hands and gloves if you have them) You can start peeling and chopping your vegetables while you wait for us to begin.
Everyone’s first name should identify them on our zoom screen please.
See you soon!!
How to Donate Your KindSoup
Seal containers with a tight lid and freeze. Label each container with: date prepared, your first name and last initial, “Lemony Carrot and Cauliflower Soup” and any relevant food allergy info (which we will discuss on the call). As soon as is convenient, drop containers of frozen soup off at one of the following participating food assistance providers, and can give one quart away also to a person or family that is in your heart and/or going through a difficult time. You will report all KindSoups that you shared – with to the food assistance organization, or to those people whom you know.

5171 Manning Place NW (in the Palisades neighborhood in DC). NOTE: Soups dropped here must be vegetarian or Halal only, please.
Rainbow Community Development Center 12120 Tech Road, Silver Spring (this takes you to the rear parking lot and loading dock – there is usually a large RAINBOW truck parked here): Drop-off Monday-Friday 9am-2pm. NOTE: If you go during Rainbow’s food distributions on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 9am-noon, you may see a long line of cars – you can drive past the cars to drop off your KindSoup. If you go at other times and the garage or back door is not open, call or text Anna on her personal cell at 301-852-4184 (if she doesn’t answer, leave a message and she should get back within a few minutes, or try calling the Rainbow Pantry cellphone: 240-639-2293).
So What Else 4924 Wyaconda Road, Rockville, 240-705-4345. (Look for the Dogtopia. Drive straight past Doptopia to get to our parking lot. The entrance will be on the right hand side as you pull into the parking lot. After you park, walk up to the glass door at the bottom of the black ramp, ring the doorbell, let the team know you’ve arrived to drop off KindSoups): Drop-off Monday-Friday 8am-4pm and Saturdays 6am-12pm.
Upcounty Consolidation Hub 12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown (supporting 1,000 families with food and other supports). Drop off Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays 8 am-4:30 pm.
Embry Rucker Shelter 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-437-1975. Leave donations on the table around the back. Drop off anytime!

Here are some options for donating outside the DC area:

NYC Community Fridges located throughout New York City.
Bread and Roses 58 Newbury St., Lawrence, Mass., 978-681-8768. Drop off Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm.
The Bristol Lodge 27 Lexington St., Waltham, Mass., 781-893-0108. Drop off Mondays-Fridays, 9am-6pm.
Community Refrigerators located in Los Angeles

See you in the KindSoup kitchen!
Learn more about this KindWorks program

Online KindSoup for Students

Sort and Pack Summer Fun Stuff Donations
2025-04-30 13:00 - 16:00 | Bender JCC, JCC, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, 20852
Help sort and pack Summer Fun Sacks for children in our area. All donations will be stored, sorted, and packed at the Bender Jewish Community Center (6125 Montrose Road).
More dates to come. Please check back.
Student Service Learning
High School Students can earn SSL hours for participation.
Safety Reminder
As with all KindWorks projects, when you register you do so with the understanding that volunteering may involve physical activity, the handling of sharp objects and cooking apparatus, the lifting of heavy objects, contact with unidentified and unfamiliar persons, and will require the exercise of reasonable care to avoid injury and/or damage, and agree to assume any and all risks of personal injury or property damage.
Learn more about this KindWorks program

SFS Sorting/Packing

Make Asparagus and White Bean Soup to Share With Others
2025-04-28 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual Gathering, United States
Join KindChef Denise to make an Asparagus and White Bean Soup (based on this recipe from Taste of Home.)
After completing your soup, freeze and label it for donation, then drop off at one of our participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or anyplace that you prefer, when convenient. Finally, report on where you shared your KindSoup and spread the word: Post a picture or two of you and your soups on social media with #DoKindWorks and tag us @DoKindWorks.
Connect to Zoom event

Asparagus and White Bean Soup

Ingredients

6 pounds thin fresh asparagus
6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
3 large onions, chopped
6 celery ribs, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup canola oil
6 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, divided
3 bay leaves
2-3 cans of cannellini beans or 6 cups cubed cooked chicken (alternatively, you can use a combination of both)
6 cups half-and-half cream or milk
Shaved Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

Cut tips from asparagus spears; set aside. Place stalks in a large skillet; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40 minutes. Strain, reserving 12 cups cooking liquid. Discard stalks.
In a Dutch oven, saute the potatoes, onions, celery, carrots, parsley and garlic in oil until vegetables are tender. Stir in the broth, salt, 3/4 teaspoon pepper, bay leaf and reserved cooking liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Cool slightly.
In a blender, cover and puree soup in batches until smooth. Return to the pan. Add the beans, chicken (if using), cream (or milk), remaining pepper and reserved asparagus tips. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until asparagus is tender. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Health and Safety Information
In order to protect the the quality of our KindSoup program, we ask that volunteers conscientiously observe the following guidelines:

Start with clean hands and wash again frequently as needed throughout the cooking process.
Start with clean kitchen surfaces and utensils (antibacterial wipes do a great job).
Keep longer hair tied back.
Follow other common sense procedures, such as never returning a tasting spoon to the pot!

Thank you for maintaining a high cleanliness standard for our KindSoup donations!
How to Donate Your KindSoup
Seal containers with a tight lid and freeze. Label each container with: date prepared, your first name and last initial, “Asparagus and White Bean Soup” and any relevant food allergy info. When convenient, drop containers of frozen soup off at one of the following participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or a place that you prefer.

5171 Manning Place NW (in the Palisades neighborhood in DC). NOTE: Soups dropped here must be vegetarian or Halal only, please.
Rainbow Community Development Center 12120 Tech Road, Silver Spring (this takes you to the rear parking lot and loading dock – there is usually a large RAINBOW truck parked here): Drop-off Monday-Friday 9am-2pm. NOTE: If you go during Rainbow’s food distributions on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 9am-noon, you may see a long line of cars – you can drive past the cars to drop off your KindSoup. If you go at other times and the garage or back door is not open, call or text Anna on her personal cell at 301-852-4184 (if she doesn’t answer, leave a message and she should get back within a few minutes, or try calling the Rainbow Pantry cellphone: 240-639-2293)
So What Else 4924 Wyaconda Road, Rockville, 240-705-4345. (Look for the Dogtopia. Drive straight past Doptopia to get to our parking lot. The entrance will be on the right hand side as you pull into the parking lot. After you park, walk up to the glass door at the bottom of the black ramp, ring the doorbell, let the team know you’ve arrived to drop off KindSoups): Drop-off Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturdays 7am-12pm.
Upcounty Consolidation Hub 12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown (supporting 1,000 families with food and other supports). Drop off Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Fridays 8 am-4:30 pm.
Embry Rucker Shelter 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-437-1975. Leave donations on the table around the back. Drop off anytime!

Here are some options for donating outside the DC area:

NYC Community Fridges located throughout New York City.
Bread and Roses 58 Newbury St., Lawrence, Mass., 978-681-8768. Drop off Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm.
The Bristol Lodge 27 Lexington St., Waltham, Mass., 781-893-0108. Drop off Mondays-Fridays, 9am-6pm.
Community Refrigerators located in Los Angeles

See you in the KindSoup kitchen!
Learn more about this KindWorks program
