November 6, 2023 newsletter

 

Good Monday morning, friends. Before I launch into everything else that's going on, I want to take a moment and send out a very special thank you to Tina, Kathleen, and Lin, who got the pantry open and running when I couldn't be there. Also thanks to our shoppers who keep us stocked each week with fresh produce, bread, and pantry goods that we're running low on. Those of you who donate money to us, this is how we use it, unless it's been earmarked for something specific: there is a handful of people who go out and shop in bulk for us, getting the best prices they can. They fill in what we don't receive in donations from the community, food businesses, or the food bank. In essence, everything that we're receiving IS from the community, whether it's first hand food donations or purchased through your monetary donations. It's truly taking a village to keep this community-funded organization humming, and I am so very grateful to all the shoppers, transporters, donors, and other supporters that keep us moving forward!

On Friday, we had a visit from our favorite hairdresser, Lyna T, who helped everyone who wanted a haircut to look just a bit more stylish! We are so appreciative of her for sharing her time and talents at the end of a busy week. It's not lost on us the sacrifice that she makes, having such a physical job and then tacking on a few more appointments just to help us out.

This coming Saturday, November 11, Debbie E and Melanie P will be leading our monthly Craft Gathering from 10 to noon in our multi-purpose dining room. Debbie has some wonderful sample cards (a photo is attached) that she can guide people through making, or you can use any of our materials and supplies to work on your own favorite project. There is no fee for this Gathering or to use the supplies, and it is a family-friendly event! Children are welcome along with their adult, and there are refreshments provided. Drop in and out anytime between 10 and noon. Everyone is invited...you are NOT taking a spot away from someone else. We have plenty to share: materials, cookies, and space!

And speaking of sharing, we started our Thanksgiving distribution on Saturday. There are only two Saturdays left to get the bags of pantry supplies and gift cards for turkeys/fresh produce to our guests. Some guests only come the first week of each month, so we needed to start early. If you would like to donate towards Thanksgiving, we request that you do it through monetary donations this year. Lin M has shopped and put together the shelf-stable pantry bags specifically for Thanksgiving, the Police Union has donated gift cards, and all we need to do now is to make/purchase a few more if we start to run short. As I explained a few weeks ago, Living Water Fellowship, the church where we make our home, will not be able to do a community dinner on Thanksgiving Day this year. We will have a simple turkey dinner on the Friday following Thanksgiving for our regular crowd. We don't need and cannot take turkeys! There is nowhere to store them. We appreciate the thought, but please...no turkeys...only gift cards for turkeys.

If you can shop for us this week, we are always happy to take anything off our complete list that you find on sale! Becky J has the new list clipped to the bin at Ayer Shop n' Save, or I can email you one if you shop elsewhere. If you want to help with Thanksgiving, monetary donations are the thing this year, or you can purchase a grocery store gift card for any amount. We'll be at the pantry on Wednesday from 10 to noon, Friday from 4 to 5:30, and Saturday from 9 to noon for drop-offs. And the bin is always available at Shop n' Save if those times don't suit. Please leave a note in the bag or with your gift card, with your name, so we know whom to thank!

Have a great and glorious week...I love you all!