ELKHART — Two Elkhart County organizations are planning soup benefits to raise money for area families in need.

The Goshen Clay Artist’s Guild’s 11th annual Empty Bowl Soup Benefit is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Goshen Farmer’s Market, 212 W. Washington St.

For a $15 minimum donation, diners will receive a hand-made bowl, soup, bread, beverage and dessert. The guild has made about 800 bowls for this year’s event.

All proceeds go to the Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Doors open at 4:45 p.m., but guild member Jess Koscher said people begin lining up at 4 p.m.

“At the height of it, we’ve had people wait in line for over two hours,” Koscher said.

This year the guild is working on getting outdoor propane patio heaters to keep people warm while they wait.

“Every year we’re concerned about the amount of time people wait in line out in the cold,” Koscher said.

Diners will also have the option to pay with a credit card for the first time this year, she said.

Koscher said her advice to attendees is to arrive early.

“If you want your choice of bowls, you’ll definitely want to be there before 4:45 p.m.,” she said.

Soups donated by local businesses include Kelly Jae’s Crab Corn Chowder, turtle soup from the South Side Soda Shop, and soups made by Clay Artist’s Guild members.

The Coppes Commons Upper Room, 401 E. Market St., Nappanee, taking inspiration from the Empty Bowl Soup Benefit and other soup fundraisers around the country, will host their first annual Nappanee Souper Bowl event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.

Larry Andrews, marketing director for the Coppes Commons, said proceeds from the event will go to the Family Christian Development Center.

Art students from Northwood High School will donate 200 ceramic bowls for the event, Andrews said.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.coppescommons.com or by calling 773-0002.

Each ticket includes a bowl, all-you-can-eat soup, a slice of pie and soft-serve ice cream. A hot dog and beverage can be purchased for an additional $1.

“If we run out of bowls, people can still get soup in a (disposable) bowl for $7.50,” Andrews said.

Children under 7 years old eat for free but do not receive a bowl to take home.