May 18, 2026 newsletter

 

Good morning! Welcome to summer, a month early. It would have been nice to have a little more spring first, but...

Recently several people have asked for information about our wonderful cookie bakers, so I'd like to profile them this week. Our friend Laurie S coordinates all of the bakers, who sign up when they want to, with no obligations for baking more than they want. Laurie has an online system for sign ups, and people who've chosen to bake that week bring their cookies to her house on Friday or early Saturday, and she packages them up safely in boxes for us and drops them off to the pantry. This is a great way to volunteer with us for people who prefer to be behind-the-scenes, so to speak. We absolutely adore our bakers, who bring such joy to our guests at the pantry and sometimes at the dinners too! I've told this story before, but for those who are new to our mailing list, we've had people actually cry when they learn that they are receiving homemade cookies.

I'm convinced that cookies should really be the symbol of world peace! If you want to get involved in this project, email me back, and I'll get you in touch with Laurie.

Another semi-behind-the-scenes project that is starting up brand new this summer is our friend Rachel K's Garden Gleaners. As you plan your garden, don't worry about having extra zucchini and tomatoes this year...just contact Rachel at rachelsunflower01432@gmail.com . She and her team will pick up your excess, help you with some harvesting if need be, and deliver it to our pantry for distribution to those who will actually be grateful for your extra veggies!


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One Small Thing
Our friend Ray was involved in an event where he helped to provide the music. There was an honorarium involved, but Ray decided to send it to us instead to help with our increased costs. Thank you Ray!
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If you can shop for us this week, we would love to have more packets of vegetable seeds to give out. A few other items that we are low on are the following: boxes of instant potatoes, jars of jelly, and baked beans. Please email me if you need our full list or you want our QR code for online donations. 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 Ayer 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!