The Elgin Cooperative Ministries (ECM) began in 1982 and is a multi-denominational organization that oversees the soup kettles and food pantries in Elgin.  There are seven churches that provide hot meals for the underprivileged, one for each night of the week.  In the winter of 2005-2006, the need for a church to take on the responsibility of a soup kettle location on Sundays became known in the community and Elgin Evangelical Free Church (EEFC) prayed, looked to God's word, and the congregation joyfully voted "yes" to this ministry opportunity.  EEFC began serving as the soup kettle location on Sundays in February, 2006.

EEFC provides hot meals for the underprivileged of Elgin every Sunday between 4-5 p.m. We are humbly serving and showing God's love to those in need as God has called us to do.

"Deuteronomy 15:7-8 "If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks."