October 19, 2026 newsletter

 

Good morning on this beautiful Fall day!

Believe it or not, after all the flurry of the past several weeks, including the end of our fiscal year, last week was relatively peaceful. That allowed me to get caught up on a few things and just to be grateful for all of the people who make what we do possible. I think you know about many of them, but they all deserve a shout-out. Telling you about them all might also inspire someone else to want to join them too!

Gratitude and appreciation for all of the following:

Wednesday morning packing crew, Friday afternoon dinner crew, Saturday morning pantry crew, Coffee Bar crew
Shoppers for bread, produce, pantry items
People who pick up and deliver to us
Cookie bakers
Those who arrange food drives
Special projects like the Newton Street Festival
Recyclers
The Merrimack Valley Food Bank, the Community Harvest Project, the Boston Area Gleaners, the IC Credit Union
Local civic and religious organizations, Scouts, Police and Fire departments, the Ayer Library, Parks department
Local businesses like Shop n' Save, Bake'N Joy, National Grid, Alltown Fresh, Little Bee, J&S,
Nashoba BOH nurses
Local gardeners, the Ayer Community Garden, the Garden Gleaners
All our donors
Community Foundations, Lions Club, Rotary, and other granting organizations
Students who volunteer their time

No doubt I have forgotten something or someone, and I just hope you'll forgive me (and let me know!). Please also let me know if you'd like to know more about volunteering with us. We are constantly working to build a bigger and more inclusive table.


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One Small Thing
We have a couple of friends who make it a habit to bring their empty soda cans to us each week so that one of our other friends with very low income can take them for the refund. It may be a small thing, but it means a lot to him!
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If you want to help this week, we are still collecting funds for Thanksgiving, but we are also really in need of socks in children's sizes (we have plenty of adult socks already, but none for kids). 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 (plus socks!!) at Ayer Shop n' Save if those times don't suit. If you have FRESH PRODUCE, please contact us so we can make arrangements. Please don't leave it in the S n' S bin! Please also leave a note in the bag with your name so we know whom to thank when you do drop off food at the store! We are located at 21 Washington Street, Suite C, Ayer MA 01432

I hope for you the best week ever...love you all!