What a busy week! Melanie P and I hit the ground running last Monday when we headed up to Lowell to pick up from Merrimack Valley Food Bank. They recently moved to a new, FABULOUS location, with an enormous warehouse area, offices for everyone, a reception area, conference room, and a staff kitchen! We are so happy for them. I've included a picture to try to give you a sense of scale of the warehouse.
On Wednesday, our crew was joined by some special volunteers who came to help by packing up personal care bags for our new migrant neighbors in Ayer. This finished off the grant that we received from Greater Lowell Community Foundation for that purpose. There was *just a bit* of chaos on the floor, but I really believe everyone had a good time! Afterwards, a few folks stayed to deliver the bags, which was a whole project of its own. There's a picture of the volunteer crew included here, and you'll see longtime donors and lovely people from the Ayer office of National Grid and the Groton-Pepperell Rotary too!
Friday afternoon/evening, we had a taco bar for dinner. This is a popular choice for our potluck. Lots of chopping and prep at the front end, but there's nothing like a make-it-yourself messy meal to get people talking and laughing around the dinner tables!
On Saturday, along with the regular pantry hours, we had our monthly Crafts Gathering, led by Debbie Eaton. Papercrafts and coloring seemed to be the main focus this time, probably mostly because it's easier to talk (and talk and talk) when you're coloring than when you're doing something fiddly! I've included a picture of this gathering too, up at the top.
Our donors were very generous this week. Along with the pantry food items that you donated, we received a delivery of homemade cookies from Laurie S's great bakers: Cathy C, Maria V, Kathy D, and Doreen B. We also received some surprise donations from local businesses this week, including fresh produce from Jamie at Theo's (formerly SpringDell Farm), and gift cards to Shop 'n Save from our friends at AVS. These are what we call good surprises :-)
If you can shop for us this week, we are in need of a few items: Jiffy Mix (small boxes of corn muffin or biscuit mix), boxed mac + cheese, small jars of jelly (especially low-sugar varieties), canned tuna, soups (no fish or shellfish, please), and small boxes of plain instant potatoes. Any other food items from our full list that you might find on sale are also always gratefully received! 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 with your name so we know whom to thank!
I love you all...have a wonderful week!
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