Good morning all! Despite the freezing temperatures we've been enduring, there is always some good news to share that can warm our hearts. Today's good news comes from our friend JL: she bought an extra Christmas tree this weekend and wants to give it to someone who needs one! If you or one of your friends/neighbors is having a difficult time this year, please email me as soon as you possibly can and I'll put you in touch with her. This is a first come, only one served situation.
In other wonderful news, my terrific husband Mike and our friend Bob got the first of our two banners up at Shepherd of the Valley where we now make our home. There's a picture attached for you to see them. It was FREEZING, and we really appreciate them for doing this. Banner #2 will eventually go on the Washington Street side of the building.
Now the lukewarm news: Yes, SNAP has been reinstated, but it has been cut for many people, and prices are so much higher (on everything, not just food) that we expect to have more guests each week as we head towards Christmas. Everyone is being told they will have to reapply too, with the stricter guidelines. Having just gone through the process myself of applying for Medicare and Social Security, I know how onerous, time-consuming, and confusing the government's paperwork can be. If you know of people struggling with this, please refer them to your local town's Senior Center. I know that ours in Ayer will help residents with their applications, and I'm sure that other Senior Centers offer this as well.
I also learned this past week that because of our hospital's closure, some people are finding it difficult to get rides to anything other than medical appointments because of the increased need for longer ride-times to more distant hospitals. Please check in on your neighbors if you know that there are any who rely on subsidized transportation to get to grocery stores or other important places. And thank you to each of you who have reached out to others this season!
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One Small Thing
Our friend Carol told us recently that she is still tutoring a young lady in math weekly whom we introduced her to several years ago! Thank you to all of you who reach out to young people (or adults!) who are struggling with something and who share your expertise with them.
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If you want to shop for us this week, we are only low on a couple of things: baked beans, canned pasta, 18 oz cardboard containers of oatmeal, cheese or peanut butter crackers, and granola bars. We can take drop-offs at the pantry (through the gray door off 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
I love you all...Have a great week!
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