November News from SSKP

Latest News - November 2023

Dear Friends,

Thanksgiving is on the horizon and my heart is filled with a mix of emotions. At the top is gratitude. I am incredibly grateful for the community efforts that ensure our neighbors have access to food. It is collaborative, challenging, and vital! With 8% of our community registered guests of SSKP Pantries and many more fed through SSKP Meal Sites, the journey of sharing food and fellowship is not done. Thanksgiving Day is time many take an intentional pause to give thanks.

This year, like many, I’m approaching the holiday with a mix of emotions. I’ve always loved “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” where we see Charlie Brown working to share food and fellowship with his friends. His culinary skills were lacking, but his heart strived to do what he could to welcome his friends…even if it was a meal of popcorn and jellybeans.

I wish I could change the world and ensure everyone had their basic needs met. I know collectively we are making a difference! Every week thousands of pounds of food are shared! Every day of the week food is available via SSKP programs.

This year the SSKP Community Thanksgiving Meal will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday November 23) at 1pm. All are welcome! The meal is being prepared so we can share in food and fellowship together. Please know you are welcome to come for Food and/or Fellowship.

I am looking forward to gathering with friends and neighbors for a Thanksgiving Service coordinated by the Valley Shore Interfaith Clergy Association. This service of gratitude will be at the First Baptist Church in Essex on Sunday November 19 at 4pm and includes special music and a choir. All are welcome.

My heart is filled with gratitude! Thank you for helping enable our neighbors and friends have access to food and fellowship. Thank you for being you!

With gratitude,

Amy

Join the 20th Annual Gowrie Challenge

This year the Gowrie Challenge has set the most ambitious goal in the campaign's 20 year history: to raise $300,000 to benefit SSKP. That's why Gowrie Group - Risk Strategies is challenging local businesses, community members, and shoreline friends to come together to help support our neighbors in need. On November 1st, to kick off the 2023 Challenge, Gowrie Group pledged a $60,000 donation to SSKP, which includes a $30,000 personal donation from Carter Gowrie. Seven local companies have again 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. The Partner Sponsors are providing an additional $90,000 in matching funds, bringing the total available matching funds to an amazing $150,000 in donations which will be doubled dollar-for-dollar to help our neighbors.

“For 20 years the Gowrie Challenge has connected businesses and individuals to ensure our neighbors have access to food,” said Amy Hollis, SSKP Executive Director. “My heart is filled with gratitude as we join together in sharing food and fellowship. Thank you!”

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.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

All are invited to a Thanksgiving Service coordinated by the Valley Shore Interfaith Clergy Association on Sunday, November 19th at 4pm at the First Baptist Church of Essex where a special offering will benefit SSKP. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to share with our neighbors in need.

Thank You, Essex Savings Bank

We are grateful to Essex Savings Bank for generously granting SSKP $25,000.

Essex Savings Bank is a longtime supporter of SSKP's mission, and shared "We are elated to help such a strong organization for those in need and know this will go be put to great use within our communities.”

Thank you, ESB!

Wish List - Thanksgiving and More

SSKP's Pantries are in need of the following items. Can you help?

Thanksgiving Needs

Gravy

Stuffing

Cranberry Sauce

Pie Crust Mix

Canned Pumpkin

Quick Breads & Cake Mix

Canned Corn

Other Needs

Cereal

Pasta

Canned fruit

Tuna

Click here for donation drop-off times and locations.

SSKP Thanksgiving Meal

The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries' annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be served inside at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 23rd, at Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main St. in Old Saybrook.

Come join us as we gather to count our blessings together. All are welcome to attend; there is no charge and no reservation is required.

Click here for flyer.

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.