Dear Friends,

Welcome to a “Summer of Kindness.”

I witness moments of kindness every day from a simple wave from a

smiling neighbor to working with volunteers sharing food with neighbors in

need.

Recently I was speaking before a group about how we navigate challenges

including things that may have been caused by others. My plan was to

dump out a bag of items on the floor and explore the visible problem,

theoretical causes, and possible solutions. My plan did not go as I expected

when a young child immediately jumped up and started cleaning up my

mess. She did not need to know the backstory, she didn’t even judge me

for making the mess, she just started helping. My experience with SSKP is

similar, people jump in to help sourcing and sharing food and fellowship

with neighbor in need. My heart is humbled by the actions of all kind people

in the world especially this little child who within 5 seconds jumped to

rescue.

I am thrilled to announce the official opening of the SSKP Pantry in

Madison, CT on Saturday, July 25. We need your help to fill this pantry with

non-perishable items before the opening. I don’t like to say things like “the

shelves are empty” but in this situation the shelves are empty. Another way

to look at this is the shelves await being filled so that we can ensure

neighbors across our region have access to Food and Fellowship. I hope

you can help.

This summer the United States of America celebrates the 250th Anniversary

of the signing of the “Declaration of Independence.” This is a wonderful

opportunity to celebrate and to be kind to one another.

Will you join me in a 250 Kindness Challenge this summer? A few ideas

that could be completed by individual or groups:

• Complete 250 acts of kindness (this is 5 per day for 50 days)
• Donate 250 non-perishable items to a pantry
• Donate $250 to help SSKP purchase much needed food and supplies

With a heart filled with gratitude and hope,

Amy