December News from SSKP

Latest News - December 2023

Dear Friends,

I’ve been trying to “catch” sunsets. What I’ve noticed is that each sunset is not one brief moment, but instead a lengthy process of transformation that stretches behind and before. To experience more sunsets, I try to remember to pick up my laptop and sit near a window during late afternoons. Each day is different, each sunset is unique, and each act of kindness is transformative. Much like the efforts of sharing food and fellowship there are many transformative moments. No one moment captures the beauty contained in the whole. The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSKP) has been able to share well over 1.3 million meals this year because of guests, volunteers, host sites, food drives, donors, staff, and you.

The macro view, the full sky view, of SSKP reflects record sharing this year. It is possible that we will share 60% more food than we did in 2019. Unfortunately, the need is not shrinking.

The micro view, the single ray of sunlight refracting through a drop of water, tells the story of individual guests who are trying their best to make ends meet as costs continue rise, and volunteers who come ready to offer their time, talents, and kindness. These are stories of “making it work” as the sun rises, moves across the sky, and sets.

What we witness year-round are kind hearts and generous hands that strive to ensure our neighbors have access to food. Need has increased, costs have risen, and together I know we will “make it work.” My heart is grateful!

December has many holidays filled with special memories and meaning. Personally, I celebrate Christmas, with daily advent candle lighting being my most beloved tradition. Additionally, I love learning about what others find meaningful. Even as I look at my quirky Christmas Tree with a few lights that just want to do their own thing I am reminded that even if my light shines purple another may radiate blue or green. When I step back to see a broader view what shines is a connective masterpiece!

Thank you for adding to the masterpiece!

Merry Christmas

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Kwanzaa

Season’s Greetings

Peace and Love,

Amy

Give to the Gowrie Challenge

Many of our neighbors continue to struggle with food insecurity and rely of SSKP's food pantries and meals. That's why this year the Gowrie Challenge set an ambitious goal to raise $300,000 to benefit SSKP. Gowrie Group - Risk Strategies is challenging local businesses, community members, and shoreline friends to come together to help support those in need. As Lead Sponsor, Gowrie Group has pledged a $60,000 donation to SSKP, including a $30,000 personal donation from Carter Gowrie.

Seven local companies have stepped forward as Partner Sponsors: BrandTech Scientific, Essex Financial, Essex Savings Bank, L.C. Doane Company, Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale, Sound Rigging, and Tower Labs.

Together, these sponsors provide $150,000 in funds which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by your donation to help our neighbors.

Click here to donate, choose "Gowrie Challenge", and help us reach our goal!

Part-Time Driver Needed

SSKP seeks to hire a part-time driver to complement our team. Our mission to ensure neighbors have access to food is made possible by collaborative efforts including the vital work of our drivers.

If you are interested, please email the SSKP Executive Director, Amy Hollis, at apply@shorelinesoupkitchens.org

Please note: Medical Certification Required. Click here for the complete job description.

Westbrook Foundation Supports SSKP

In November SSKP received a grant of $25,000 from the Westbrook Foundation. Many shoreline communities, including Westbrook, have seen greatly increased need as more families struggle to provide for their basic needs.

This generous grant provides vital funding for the purchase of food for our pantries to distribute to those in need. We are so thankful for the continued support of the Westbrook Foundation!

FCCOL Building Improvements

Recently our host site at the SSKP Old Lyme Pantry, the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, began renovations in the basement area where our food pantry is housed. They installed beautiful new flooring and will continue to make even more upgrades to the space in the next few weeks. Everyone at SSKP is excited and grateful to see these new improvements to the church building.

FCCOL and all our faith community host sites work every week to help us accomplish our mission of sharing food and fellowship. Their gifts of space, volunteers, funds, and food are truly a blessing!

Faith Community Thanksgiving Services

On Sunday, November 19th, two local Thanksgiving services brought the community together and donated to SSKP through special offerings. The Valley Shore Interfaith Clergy Association hosted a service at the First Baptist Church in Essex and Clinton Churches gathered together at the Clinton United Church of Christ. What a joy it is to come together in a spirit of Thanksgiving.

We are so grateful to all our faith communities who generously support SSKP!

Food Drives Make a Difference

In the past few weeks so many organizations and community members - known and unknown – have organized food drives for SSKP. We are so thankful that our community cares!

Here are just some of these generous organizations:

Joel Elementary School

Daisy Ingraham School

Vista Life Innovations

Clinton Police Youth Group

Haddam Killingworth Middle School

St. Marks Church

Connecticut Marine Trades Association

Alchemi Wealth

Clinton Fire Department

Clinton Rotary Club

Grace Episcopal Church

Carrot Patch - Shoreline School

Old Saybrook Lions Club

Middlesex Tang Soo Do Academy

Project Courage

Girl Scout Troop 60549

Clinton Youth Soccer

Westbrook Council of Beaches

Westbrook Fire Department

Dance Fitness with Karen

Ivoryton Illuminations

Essex Police

Grossman Chevy Nissan

To everyone who supports a food drive for SSKP or gives non-perishable food at our local drop-off bins, thank you. Every item of donated food makes a difference!

Ivoryton Illuminations

SSKP received an amazing donation of 2,200 lbs. of food from the “Stuff the Cruiser” food drive held at this year’s Ivoryton Illuminations.

Many thanks to Officer McCarthy from the Essex Police, Officer Roberts of the State Police, all the local businesses who collected food, and everyone who donated!

SSKP Holiday Dinner

The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries' annual Holiday Dinner will be served inside at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 25th, at Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main St. in Old Saybrook.

Come join us! All are welcome to attend; there is no charge and no reservation is required.

Please Support SSKP's Annual Appeal

We are grateful to all those who have already made a gift to our Annual Appeal. Your donations will help us give food to local families in need throughout the year. If you haven't made your gift yet, please take a moment to click the button below.