November 4, 2024 newsletter

 

Good morning, and happy stoopid-clock-changing-this-is-so-dumb week!

Ok, I've gotten it out of my system (mostly), and we can pick up this morning where we left off last week, with our trip at the end of October to see the updates and expansion of the Boston Area Gleaners at Stonefield Farm in Acton. The Gleaners is such a success story in this area, not only managing to ensure that a gorgeous family farm in Acton will be preserved forever, but also rescuing a gazillion tons of produce across the region that would otherwise go into a landfill. All summer and fall, we are able to share amazing bags of produce with our pantry guests, thanks to the efforts of the Gleaners and our friend Jess who works there, and also thanks to our friends Alison and Rich who go there each week to pick up our produce for us.

But wait, there's more! Alison and Rich are two of those tireless people who serve this community every single week by doing this pick up, but they also make sure that we don't waste any of it. Each week when the pantry closes, they swing by and pick up what we have left that won't keep till next week, and they distribute it to other pantries further west which will be able to use it in the next few days.

This in turn got me thinking about how many individuals and groups there are in this community (and beyond!) who serve others on a very frequent and regular basis through our various programs. Even though it's risky for me to try to list them all, and I am very afraid of missing/forgetting someone, I'm going to do it anyway over the next few weeks. This is the season for being thankful (isn't every season, really?), and I want everyone to know how grateful I am for all of you. Believe me, I love you all, whether you are able to do a little or a lot. After all, little by little is the stone soup method. So I'm going to try my best to hit everyone!

This week, I am especially thankful for the following:

• People who pick up or shop for us, from grocery stores, the donation bins, the food bank, the farms, and the orchard
• The many individuals, churches, civic organizations, banks, schools, and businesses who run food drives, send volunteers, donate food and money, and support us emotionally as well as financially
• Our bakers and delivery person who make sure we always have something special to add to our pantry bags
• The volunteers who come and sort, shelve, pack, lug, and stock for the Saturday pantry, along with those who come and help with distribution each week
• The volunteers who provide food and dessert for our Friday evening potlucks, help to set up and clean up
• The folks at the food bank, farm, orchard, and grocery store who pack things for us each week and make sure that we always have enough
• The people who give of their time and talents to run workshops, classes, tutoring, support groups, and personal care
• Our recycling advocates, who pick up our recyclable trash each week and make sure it doesn't end up in a landfill
• The private donors and Community Foundations that supply grant money for projects like our Craft Gathering, the Coffee Bar, our support group, and healthier pantry bag content
• The local police, who help and guide us on specific issues, and who also make sure that both locals and transients have food from our pantry when they come for help
• The nurses and healthcare advocates who visit us for wellness checks and workshops, and all those in our community who have worked tirelessly on the issue of the hospital closure
• My board of trustees, especially those who have a different perspective from me and who sometimes think I'm crazy...and tell me so

Have I covered everyone? Probably not, and the moment I send this letter, more will probably pop into my mind. Please forgive me if I've forgotten you this week...there are more weeks to come and I promise to make up for it!

If you can shop for us this week, we are particularly in need of canned beans (any type except for green beans), canned pasta, baked beans, jelly, and pudding cups. We are also low on shampoo, conditioner, razors, and deodorant if you like shopping for those things. 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!

Go vote tomorrow, if you haven't already, and I love you all! Thank you 💕