July 21, 2025 newsletter

 

Well, July is speeding by! I hope you've had lots of chances to enjoy the longer light and to maybe even get away for some rest and re-set. Speaking of light, I had a discussion with a friend last week about doing just one small thing, and I started thinking about the phrase “light a single candle.” It may not feel like much to us when we do one small thing, but to the person we're helping, if may be exactly what they needed to help cut through the darkness.

So we're going to start a new segment in this newsletter, called One Small Thing. Please send me your small things that you do, and we'll share them here. It can be anonymous if you want.

My friend Kimberly shared this One Small Thing:

I do try to keep a grocery gift card with me when I am out or about in the city. I alone cannot solve everything, but I can leave a grocery gift card outside of someone's tent or on the park bench that they are sleeping on. Often I leave the card while the folks are sleeping, but sometimes I just offer it by saying "Would you like a grocery card?" I do write in sharpie how much it is for, so they know, and don't have an issue at check out.

Isn't that a lovely thing to do? It reminds me of how many times Stone Soup Kitchen has needed something, and just at the right time, someone out there is motivated to provide it, often without even knowing that we needed it! Isn't it great to think that you can easily be that “just at the right time” person for someone, just by doing One Small Thing? So send me the small things that you do, with or without pictures. It's so motivating to learn what others are doing to help our neighbors, pets, wildlife, the earth. I had the opportunity to visit with the Ayer Rotary Club last Thursday. Sgt John MacDonald was invited as well, and we discussed updates with the club, concerning the meals and the pantry and John's upcoming food drive, along with information on the toy drive that he does each year for the Holidays. I've included a picture of John and me with the club President, Craig Thorpe. Thank you so much to ALL of the Rotarians out there who continue to support local charities.

If you can shop for us this week, we will gratefully take any food off of our full pantry list. 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! Take good care, and send me word about those Small Things!