March 3, 2025 newsletter

 

Good morning and happy March! Let's all hope that this roller coaster of temperatures will end soon. As my friend Catie said yesterday, “oh sure, we get this beautiful warmish day where everything starts to melt, and then...ice.” But I also want to report that my friend Paula does a countdown each year between the fall and spring time-change, and at the end of last week, we entered the single digits! More evening light is always a good thing for me, and I hope it is for you too. Even though we all miss that “lost” hour of sleep!

Before I forget, there won't be a letter next Monday. I have finally been able to arrange a visit with my Dad late this week and into next week. We lost my Mom early in January, and he reassured me that he was fine, so that SSK could complete our move. My brother lives near him, so I knew he really was ok, but...well, I'm a Daddy's girl. I need to go see him.

Last week was very busy, but for the first time, we felt like the schedule and the work flow were becoming familiar. Our regular Wednesday morning and Saturday morning crews have been joined by some enthusiastic new friends, which is really good, because it takes more people to run the pantry in this new space. We received several calls for help this past week, and it was a joy to be able to so easily access what our friends needed and take care of them.

While I love to be able to tell donors, volunteers, and supporters about how they are impacting various people and families, privacy concerns are always in my mind. I share statistics with you from time to time, and individual stories (with details changed as needed) when I know that it won't negatively affect someone, and honestly, these stories are so much more moving that mere stats on hunger and loneliness could ever be. So over the years, I've continually updated my list of what we do, who has joined our family, and what amazing “coincidences” we've witnessed. Are you part of an organization, business, or church that would like to hear some of these stories? Let me know! Now that we're settled, we're also ready to come and meet with you  😊

If you would like to shop for us this week, we are low on the following items: boxes of instant potatoes, 18 oz containers of oatmeal, ramen noodle packets, baked beans, and canned pasta like spaghettios. We can take drop-offs at the pantry (through the gray door next to the parking lot on Cambridge Street) on Wednesdays from 10 to noon, Fridays from 4 to 5, and Saturdays only from 9 to 10. Please note that these are shorter hours than before, because of parking logistics. Please do not leave food at the door outside of these hours. 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! We are located at 21 Washington Street, Suite C, Ayer MA 01432

I love you all! Have a wonderful week (two weeks!)