Storm damages veteran's outdoor cook site used to feed others in Chester
CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- A large tree that fell during a storm Monday evening has damaged the outdoor cooking area of a Navy veteran who has spent decades feeding people in need in Chester.
The tree came crashing down during heavy rain, damaging several homes and also crushing the gazebo and equipment Lamont Harris uses to prepare food for the homeless and hungry.
Harris said he has been serving meals in the community for 20 years, often cooking in his yard on West 5th Street before distributing food where it's needed most.
"Souper Saturday is hosted at the train station, or sometimes when I'm cooking, there are people who walk through who are hungry, and I don't turn them away," Harris said.
A former Navy cook, Harris described his work as a continued commitment to service.
"My enlistment in the Navy ended, but my oath to the country has no expiration date," he said.
The damage occurred as a storm moved through the area on Monday.
"The storm came. It started raining real hard, so I went in the house. We heard a big crash and it was the tree. It knocked the gazebo over. It damaged my house and the neighbors' house," Harris said.
Photos show the impact extending beyond his property, including damage to a neighbor's kitchen. Crews removed the fallen tree Tuesday morning, but the destroyed gazebo and cooking equipment remain.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover repairs and support future meal efforts as Harris works to resume cooking operations.
"Basically, trying to put the pieces back together. So I can get back in motion, get back out there and take care of the people who are less fortunate," he said.
Community members stopped by to offer encouragement and support.
"He feeds the people. He's a really good guy," said Akbar Muhammad of Chester.
Despite the setback, Harris said he hopes to continue providing meals in the short term using simple options such as hot dogs through the summer, with the goal of restoring his full kitchen by the fall.
