Penn State students and residents of State College looking for a hot meal can follow the aroma of steaming soup to the basement of the Wesley Student Center, 256 E. College Ave., where they will find themselves in Mom's Kitchen.

Thelma Price started the soup kitchen, which opened last Wednesday, after serving meals for people at a kitchen in New Mexico.

There was a need for hot meals and some comforting smiles in State College, Price said. As vice president of the board of directors at Housing Transitions Inc., she had wanted to start Mom's for several years and is excited to see her idea finally become a reality.

"I always thought there was a need in this area, and we would like to fulfill that need. Now it is in effect," Price said.

With the assistance of Bobbi Bronstein, program manager at Centre House Emergency Shelter, Mom's Kitchen is able to prepare meals free of charge, which is vital to the success of the kitchen.

With the support of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 256 E. College Ave., she prepares hot meals for those looking for a pleasant smile and a warm place to eat before they head out to seek a job or go to their next class.

The soup kitchen is presently working on a two-month trial basis while organizers determine the level of need in the area.

"There are a lot of people out there who could use a hot meal," Bronstein said.

The kitchen serves hot meals every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Meat and vegetarian soups along with bread provided by Panera Bread will be available on a walk-in basis.

The food is provided through donations from private businesses.

About 200 people can be provided with a full meal and "Mom's" hospitality.

Portable food containers will be available for those who wish to take food with them for the rest of the day.

Supporters and volunteers seem eager to help Mom's Kitchen with its mission. A variety of counseling services will also be offered for individuals and families struggling to find affordable housing in the area.

"There is a definite willingness to help in the community," Price said. "People have been calling asking what could they do to help."

And there is much to be done, from preparing the food, to comforting students and residents of State College before they return outside into the cold.

"We are hoping to find assistance from Circle K Club and United Campus Ministry," Bronstein said.

With the semester just beginning, student organizers are eager to find volunteers for Mom's Kitchen.

"In a couple of weeks we will definitely have volunteers for them," said Davin Carr-Chellman, director of United Campus Ministry. "If they need volunteers we will find them with no problem."

A couple of student volunteers from Circle K Club have already enjoyed the experience of Mom's Kitchen.

"It is our district project for this year. I've already made some new friends and switched e-mail addresses. I really had a good time," Circle K member Lauren Wolf (junior-biology) said.

"It's not just for disadvantaged families but for students who are looking for a hot meal on their way back to classes," she added.