Community Service With A Broad Impact

The Power of Feeding the Homeless: Community Service With A Broad Impact

Now that Fall is in full swing, the season of giving is quickly approaching. In a world where abundance often exists along side scarcity, the act of feeding the homeless and those in need is not just a service, it’s a powerful statement of compassion and humanity. Community service, especially initiatives aimed at helping the homeless can transform not only the lives of those in need, but also the volunteers and communities involved. About a year ago, my dear friend Kristin Davis who is a realtor at Berkshire Hathaway was asked to list a property near the Church Of The City in New London. Through that transaction and other networking connections, she was introduced to the Community Meal program that is offered every Saturday at the church and led by Dr. Pat Sebastian. Kristin recruited many of our Mystic friend group to volunteer that third Saturday in December, and our lives were forever changed. Headed by local parishioner Steve Balkau, we prepare and cook the food, pack it up, serve it, and clean up. I can tell you it’s the most physically and emotionally grueling yet very rewarding three hours. Handing out 240 meals and making personal connections with those who receive the meals teaches you how appreciative they are and sometimes why they are in the line in the first place, and no one is ever turned away. It also teaches you how in need these types of programs are for funding and supplies. Our good friends Ken and Sherri Fontaine, owner of Chapter One in Mystic recently hosted a happy hour to raise money for the Church Of The City’s Saturday Community Meal program. This successful event was well attended by the wonderful people
of our community and supported by other local businesses including the Mystic Marriott Hotel, Helmsman Bar & Kitchen, and Cerulean Beauty & Spa. Seeing everyone come together and support this cause was a memorable experience and helped so many people.

How you can help

Monetary donations are always appreciated. To fund just one Saturday a month, it costs about $5k per year to cover the food costs. Most of those donations come from Sunday Service at other local parishes. Supplies are continually in demand. Industrial size garbage bags, to go containers, disposable coffee cups with lids, disinfecting
wipes, hand soap, dish soap, foil roasting pans, napkins, and plasticware to name a few. When making a food donation to your local food pantry or at the supermarket, here are some things to keep in mind. Many of those in need stay in shelters and do not have access to a kitchen or cookware. Pasta and macaroni and cheese may seem
like a good meal to serve a few people at a time, but they have no place to cook it. Food items that are individually wrapped like peanut butter crackers and granola bars are easy to grab and go. Also, canned food with a flip top lid such as ravioli, soup, and beans are easy to transport and can be eaten without cooking. Bottled water and sport drinks are always in need.

This program is led with dignity, prayer, lots of love, and hope. I am honored to be a part of it and I’m so proud of my friends and our community.

Thank you for your support.

Tracy Lisee
Spa Director