Dear Friends,

I want to take this opportunity to share about someone who has touched my life and our entire community.

Thirty-five years ago, Ruth Adams and other visionaries gathered at First Baptist Church in Essex. They sought to discern how to live their faith in action. The very real hunger needs of neighbors was lifted that day. Hunger both for food and fellowship. Ruth carried a small coin purse to collect donations. She spoke about the need to other faith communities and even with people she saw at the grocery store. Not long after the day of vision, the first meal of the Shoreline Soup Cellar was held. The table was open for all and eleven were fed.

Over the years additional meals sites and pantries have been added. Dozens of faith communities are now involved, thousands of volunteers have shared time and talents, and millions of meals have been shared. Now called Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries what began as 11 meals in 1989 grew and grew into 1.4 million meals last year! The vision and need remain.

Ruth Adams passed away in February and my prayers are with her family. She sewed seeds of kindness and hope that continue to transform the lives of others.

Thank you, Ruth, for being you!

With gratitude and love,

Amy