I don't know about you, but for me, September is just whipping by at top speed. Generally, September and October are my favorite months in New England. I love the cooler crisp air and smell of wood fires. And football. I love the return of football.
I always want fall to last just a little bit longer, especially knowing what's coming next: stick season, when all the leaves are down and the daylight hours are short. That's a really hard time for our homeless friends too, and for those who are living in sub-standard apartments and rooms. We are getting ready for that at the pantry, making sure that we have enough peel-and-eat foods for those who don't have kitchens and some cold weather sleeping bags and coats on hand.
We had a wonderful visit from our friends at the Ayer office of National Grid a couple of weeks ago. We enjoy it so much when their crew comes to help us pack, sort, and stock. I didn't tell you about it then, because there was a 'secret' that they brought with them...we were being awarded a grant by the corporate headquarters, National Grid USA Service Company, which we received last week! It is to help us keep up with our food needs, as the prices of so many things have gone up, as you all know. YES, we definitely still need your pantry donations, and grants like this one help us to fill in the gaps and purchase the fresh foods that we hand out. We've been so blessed to have this partnership with James M, Mich H, and the whole gang!
If you work for a local business that specifically looks for volunteer outreach opportunities, please reach out to me. We've been fortunate so far this year to partner with many amazing businesses, churches, and town departments, and organizations. They make donations for specific projects, conduct food drives, donate funds for food, sponsor programs and workshops, and come to physically help us to schlep and pack. The beauty of making a Soup is that there is always room for more ingredients...sometimes we just have to get out a bigger pot!
If you can shop for us this week, we will gratefully take any food items from our full list that you might find on sale. If you need the list, please let me know. We are also low on some basic personal care items, like shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and razors. 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...please take good care of yourselves and each other!
Health + peace ~
Cyndi
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