December 26, 2023 newsletter

 

Heather P, from The Cannon Theater

Good morning friends! Yes, I know I'm a day late, but I doubt that you would have read a letter from me yesterday anyway. I hope you are all going to be able to enjoy an extended holiday with family and friends this week, but if you are back to the grind, please know that you're not alone.

We shared some wonderful times with our guests on Friday night and Saturday morning. I'm extra glad that we decided to be open on Saturday, because we had two first-time families come for help. That would have been devastating to learn that they found a closed and locked door.

Thank you to all of you who donated this week (and all through the year) to make sure we had enough to give out. We had some special visits this week from local business friends and neighbors: AVS completed an amazing food drive and brought the food to us; Jessica B's Cub Scouts made adorable birthday bags for us to give out this coming year; Jennifer and Sharon from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation stopped by to check up on us, give us advice, and leave us with an end of the year gift; the Ayer Police Department delivered some food for Saturday distribution; Laurie S brought by homemade cookies by our amazing Cookie Brigade, the lovely folks who bake for us year round; Justin M stopped by with a load of holiday cheer from Bake'N Joy; and many many folks sent end of the year donations which will help us get a great start on 2024!

Next week, I will be sending you a link to a photo montage in lieu of an actual letter. If you are wanting to shop for us this week or next, we will gratefully accept any of the items on our updated list of pantry supplies (if you need one, let me know!), but the things we really need in the next few weeks are GLOVES! Men's, women's, and children's. We'll be at the pantry as usual 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 with your name so we know whom to thank!

Hold tight everyone...here comes 2024!