Legislature honors soup kitchen volunteer

On Nov. 19, the Suffolk County Legislature honored volunteers throughout Suffolk County. Each legislator picked a volunteer from a nonprofit within their district.

“Due to the amazing amount of outstanding people that volunteer in District 7, the choice was difficult; however, we were so proud to choose Judy Rohtla from St. Paul’s Church on Rider Avenue for the following reasons. What a warm, caring individual that exemplifies all the good in our community,” said Legis. Dominick Thorne.  

Judy Rohtla has volunteered with The Patchogue Neighbors Soup Kitchens for 16 years. Rohtla took over leading the St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen campus 12 and a half years ago, after volunteering there for a few years prior. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is one of four kitchens serving the community under that group.

She took on the role without even a moment of hesitation. Her mentality is always looking forward: “How can I help someone today?”

Through working with the kitchen, she has established relationships with all the guests and tries to provide them with any items they need. In addition to creating the menu with her other volunteers and acting as head chef every Monday at St. Paul’s, she goes above and beyond and has provided clothing, books, blankets, and bikes to those who walk through her kitchen doors. Rohtla preps food and feeds 80 individuals on average each week with her colleagues in the Patchogue Neighbors Soup Kitchen - St. Paul’s Campus.

Rohtla also volunteers outside of the kitchen to further reach the community, through her involvement in the Patchogue Lionesses and her volunteering to cook at her church. Before her cooking duties, Rohtla worked for many years with Patchogue-Medford Schools.

“Judy is a great volunteer and a great person with a tremendous heart and is a respected member of the community,” he added.