August 3, 2026 newsletter

 

Good morning, good morning, and happy August! The summer is flying by, and there is so much to share with you. Before I forget, I want to thank each of you who responded to offer help for our various events that are coming up and for some that are on-going. Thank you for being a part of our village, or more properly in this case, part of the Soup! We still have a couple of slots that have opened up for Saturday morning pantry volunteers. Email me back for all the details if you'd like to find out more.

So, here's the news in brief:

• Rachel's Garden Gleaners are prepared to help anyone whose garden has gotten away from them. She will help you arrange donations, help you with harvesting, and give you advice on your plantings, both right now and for the future of your garden. ( rachelsunflower01432@gmail.com )

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  Our local Alltown Fresh is letting everyone know that SSK is an official Food Partner. Each week, Nicole T picks up sandwiches, salads, and snacks that we distribute during the pantry service. Many thanks to Maureen, Samantha, and Kelly, as well as Nicole for making that happen! 

• We had "Christmas in July" thanks to our friend Cher, who held a free raffle for a mermaid-style Summer "Christmas" tree. The winner Laura is pictured with Cher.
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  The month-long food drive at the Ayer Police Station has begun. As a part of this drive, APD, Shirley Police Department, and the Ayer/Shirley/Groton Rotary Club will be holding a one day Fill-a-Cruiser event at Ayer Shop n' Save on Sunday August 9 from 10 to 1. If you'd like to help unload, sort, and pack after 1 pm, please email me for details! 
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  Cops and Cones is coming up, Wednesday August 19, from 7 to 8pm at Pirone Park in Ayer. This is a completely free event, and it's a chance for you to hang out and enjoy ice cream with some of Ayer's Finest. And to enjoy the finest ice cream from West Side Creamery! 

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One Small Thing

With the help of his Mom and friends, Vinny ran a Lemonade Stand yesterday to raise money for Stone Soup Kitchen. This is the 5th year they have done this, and yesterday was the PERFECT hot day for a cold glass of lemonade! Thank you guys! 
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If you'd like to shop for us this week, we are in need of some personal hygiene supplies, including hair conditioner, women's deodorants, and toothpaste. We can take drop-offs at the pantry (through the gray door next to the parking lot on Cambridge Street) only 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 available to drop off SHELF-STABLE FOODS ONLY at Shop n' Save if those times don't suit, and of course during August, you can also drop off SHELF-STABLE FOODS ONLY at the Ayer Police Station. 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 hope you enjoy this week in spite of the rain...I love you all!