When Tim Brockman passed away in 2017, he left behind a legacy larger than the popular downtown Mt. Pleasant institution that is Max & Emily’s Eatery.
The owner of that restaurant, Brockman started the People Helping People campaign, which gave out free meals each and every Sunday, the day of the week when a local soup kitchen was closed. Christopher "Elmo" Walton, who owns the restaurant today, says that the program gives out approximately 4,000 meals each year.
Walton has carried on that tradition; and, in the face of the current COVID-19 pandemic, is no doubt making his predecessor proud.
Max & Emily’s has extended its People Helping People program to be available seven days a week.
"Two weeks ago the world changed. Restaurants had to shut down. All the soup kitchens had to shut down--the people utilizing them every day suddenly had fewer options," Walton says.
"Now they have to worry about paying bills, rent, becoming recently unemployed.
"That is not an excuse for them to go hungry."
The People Helping People meals are available every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meals are free, no questions asked. There are no requirements.
Though the meals vary, they typically consist of a Chippewa club sandwich, fruit, and chips. Other Mt. Pleasant businesses have been helping, too, with Robaire’s Bakery recently donating donuts and the local Jimmy John’s gifting bread.
"It is the core of our philosophy. The name is People Helping People. It’s on the back of our shirts, it’s really what life can and should be about," Walton says.
"It’s not just me, it’s us. It’s we together. We as a restaurant, as a company, a group of employees. If we’re able to make a difference in somebody’s life, that’s the sweet spot of life.
"Nobody should ever go hungry. And we make some pretty great sandwiches down here."
Max & Emily’s Eatery is available for carry-out from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day.
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