Summer 2006 - Volunteer Newsletter

“It’s better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness”

June 6, 2006

June 6^th, 2006 is National Hunger Awareness Day. Did you know that there are over 350,000 Connecticut people that are hungry or food insecure? Please help by sharing that fact with a friend.  The more aware the community is of the situation, then the sooner we can all work together to eliminate poverty.

We wish him and his family peace and joy in their new life to the north, in Toronto, Canada and know they will bring their blessings and goodwill wherever they serve. Keep Warm!

Board Member Profile

Greetings to the wonderful volunteers, staff, and friends of the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries,

I have worked at Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services since 1982 and most recently, since 1990 as Social Services Coordinator for the Town.  I’m also Old Saybrook’s Municipal Agent for the Elderly and our Salvation Army Representative.  A member of the SSKP’s Board of Trustees for over 3 ½ years, I have also been its Secretary since January 1995.

On the personal side, I grew up in Old Saybrook and happily raised my own family of three children here.  Now that my ‘baby’ is 21 and a senior at UConn, I’m excited about the next chapter in my life.  This past March I received my boating license and I’m going to learn to sail this summer.  If you happen to be out on the Sound and see me coming, you may want to head in the other direction, as quickly as possible!  (And who knows, maybe next year I’ll try rv-ing like Patty Dowling and her husband.)   

Although relatively new to the SSKP family, long ago my employment made me appreciate the selfless work you do and how important it is to the people I serve.  The pantries, including the community garden and the Heat and Eat programs, are invaluable in providing lower income families, senior citizens, and other populations with a nourishing and consistent food source.  The daily meal sites guarantee that no one living in our area should ever go to sleep hungry at night. 

I applaud and am humbled by your efforts, your dedication, and your acceptance of and commitment to those less fortunate living among us.  Thank you for all that you do.  It is indeed a privilege for me to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries.

Joanne Messner       

Highlighted Meal Site

Chester Meal Site - Sundays 5:00 to 6:00 pm at the United Church of Chester on 29 West Main Street, Chester.

The Sunday meal for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen is served in Chester at the United Church of Chester every Sunday evening at 5:00pm.  This site is co-sponsored by the United Church and Congregation Beth Shalom.  Eleven teams comprised of members from these two sponsor congregations and other congregations serve nearly 1,200 meals to our Sunday evening guests each year. 

The group of dedicated of nearly 50 volunteers plus community contributions make this site possible and a wonderful place to find fellowship and a good meal on Sunday evening.  Please join us at 29 Main Street in Chester any time!

Dining Out Cards

The Dining Out Coupon Book is a fundraising project for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries – the organization that addresses the need for food and fellowship for people along the shoreline of Connecticut.  We service 11 towns – Madison to Old Lyme and as far north as Chester.  We have 4 weekly food pantries where people can come for groceries and 8 weekly meal sites where people can come for a hot, nutritious meal. Last year we provided (at no charge) over 356,000 meals. Although we live in a beautiful, prosperous area, there are 2786 people living below the poverty level.  They must often choose between heat, healthcare, and food.

            The Dining Out Coupon Book is a project to help us to raise funds and become more visible.  We sell each book for $35.  Area restaurants join us by offering Buy One Entrée – Receive a Second Entrée for ½ price.  The cards are traditionally honored on Sunday through Thursday and are valid from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007. 

Eighteen restaurants are part of the project this year.   Vinnie’s, Sage American,  Saybrook Point Inn, Tiberio’s, Fiore’s, Water’s Edge,  Sherlock’s 221 Grill, The Pattaconk 1850 Grille, the Paperback Café, the Ivory Pub, Stella D’Oro, Zhang’s, Eagle’s Nest Steakhouse, Bella Sera, The Stagecoach Grill, The Dolly Madison, Gateway to India and Maru are  all participating.

  If you would like to purchase a Dining Out Coupon Book please visit North Cove Outfitters, Old Saybrook Stop & Shop or Shear Madness.  For any additional information please feel free to contact us by telephone at 860-388-1988 or by e-mail at pdowling@shorelinesoupkitchen.org.  Thank you for your interest!

SBC Community Connections

The Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries can benefit from your long distance calls! SBC has a program, Community Connections, which can be used as a fund-raiser for various organizations. If you are an SBC long distance user, all you have to do is call 1-800-635-7638 and give them the code #3967 and tell them you want to sign up for the Community Connections program to support Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries.  They will automatically credit a portion of your long distance payments to SSKP.  This is an easy way, at no cost to you, to benefit the Soup Kitchens.  Sign up today and tell all of your friends!!!

Our Family Tree

Meal Sites – Eight sites that provide a hot meal once a week. Everyday of the week there is at least one site open in one of the towns of our eleven town service area. Many volunteers from many different faith communities work together to provide supplies, prepare and serve the food, and provide caring fellowship to anyone who walks in their door.

Pantries – Four pantries in four towns in which the clients can choose three days worth of groceries once a week. Many volunteers working together to shop, carry, stock, display the food, and provide strong muscles and warm hearts to the clients.   

Supports…

Heat & Eat – Two sites with many dedicated volunteers who plan, prepare, label and tray, fresh made dinners that are then frozen and delivered to the pantries. The pantries distribute them to the clients that do not have stoves or are not capable of preparing hot meals.

Garden – Many volunteers, who plan, prepare, grow, sow, and deliver to the pantries their amazing and beautiful bounty. It is then distributed to our clients.

Faith Community – They provide volunteers, support, resources, space and more.  

Executive Director & Board of Directors – They provide the knowledge, advice, and direction that lead us all in our shared mission.

Connecticut Food Bank – This warehouse houses and distributes donated items from businesses, the public and federal food programs. The pantries shop here once a week at a great discount for much of the pantries needs.

Businesses & the Community - Donations, resources, support, volunteers.

How to Help

To volunteer, or to donate, or for any information about the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries, please call or email Patty Dowling. Also, if you have ideas or comments about this newsletter please contact our Partnership Coordinator, Linda Smith.

“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.”