SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — Fifteen years ago, 12-year-old Katie Stagliano noticed a need in her community and decided to act. When Summerville’s only full-time soup kitchen unexpectedly closed, she worried about the neighbors who relied on its meals.
“I didn’t have all the answers,” Katie recalls, “but I did have a garden—and I knew I could share what we grew.”
From that small act of kindness, Katie’s Krops was born. The first dinner was a humble effort to meet an immediate need, but it quickly grew into something bigger: a place where people could gather, share a meal, and feel cared for.
Fifteen years later, Katie’s Krops Dinners have become a Summerville tradition and a lifeline for countless individuals and families. The organization has:
- Served more than 100,000 meals
- Logged over 12,000 volunteer hours
- Built lasting friendships, memories, and community connections
“These dinners have always been about more than food,” Stagliano said. “Together, we’ve celebrated milestones, mourned losses, shared laughter, and supported one another through hard times. The heart of our dinners has always been community—and at the very center of that heart are our volunteers.”
Katie’s Krops will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a special Anniversary Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 9, featuring pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, a tossed green salad with farm-fresh vegetables, and homemade desserts.
Dinner Details:
- Location: Summerville Baptist Church (outside the Fellowship Hall), 417 Central Ave., Summerville
- To-Go Service: Begins at 4 p.m., drive-thru style
- Neighbors without vehicles are welcome to walk or bike
- No reservations or ID required; meals are first-come, first-served
The team will prepare 700 meals, ensuring that no one in need goes hungry. Like all Katie’s Krops Dinners, the event is free and open to everyone, including local military families affected by the government shutdown.
“For 15 years, it has been our honor and privilege to serve the Summerville community,” Katie said. “Every single meal has been made possible by the care, generosity, and love of our neighbors, volunteers, and supporters. We invite everyone to celebrate this milestone with us—and to share this message so no one goes without a meal or a reminder that they are not alone.”