November 3, 2025 newsletter

 

Good morning all! It's the start of another beautiful month, and we are overwhelmed by the amazing generosity of all of you, our supporters, volunteers, donors, and guests. Yes, it's been tough to see people returning to the pantry after they had moved on and to see new people arriving. But also yes, it's been so heartwarming and encouraging to see the community rise to the occasion to make sure that all of the local pantries and food organizations can cover the need:

• We have received shelf-stable food and funds from Halloween collections and local actions. 
•  You are donating to help Lin + Vinny put together our Thanksgiving bags. 
•  Ayer Shop 'n Save has installed some new towers with gift cards that you can swipe at the registers. 
• AVS, the Ayer Police Station, and others are organizing food drives for this month. 
• The Town of Ayer and the Select Board put together a flyer with information on the local pantries and other resources for all our neighbors. 
• Individuals have been contacting us to see how they can help with volunteering and donations of food and money.

All in all, we feel ridiculously blessed by our surrounding communities, and every bit of it serves to make sure that our neighbors are cared for during a stressful time. If you want to join in and help with any of this, email back and I'll get you in touch with the appropriate person in charge of the specific activity!

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One Small Thing
Our friend Becky told me about a young man she came across who was just traveling through, with his dog. We get a fair number of people who breeze through town because of the freight train depot, and while most don't stay long, we do want to help them on their journey while they're here. This gentleman came from Idaho, and had been traveling by hopping trains for months. Becky quickly collected food, warm clothing, and items for the dog, and took them to him. He was very appreciative, especially that she had considered his beloved dog, and he told her that he was planning to move on as soon as a train came through that was headed in the right direction.
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If you can shop for us this week, there are a few items that we are getting low on: peanut butter, canned green beans, canned corn, tuna, boxes of instant potatoes, 18 oz containers of plain oatmeal, canned soups, baked beans, canned pasta, and spaghetti sauce. 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 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