We are deeply grateful to have been the beneficiary of a large food drive and collection in June. Bridgeport’s Salem Lutheran Church, Easton’s First Presbyterian Church and Fairfield’s Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church partnered to collect a pod full of much needed food and personal care items and $1,200 in cash donations in June. Many thanks to all donors and especially to the volunteers and congregations from these three churches for helping our neighbors in need in this big way.
This wasn’t just a drive held ad hoc. A little bit of history…about a year ago, Salem Lutheran Church created a new focused mission to help alleviate food insecurity in the area. The church decided that they would need to collaborate with other churches. They formed the program, Refill the Pantries, with Salem Lutheran of Bridgeport, First Presbyterian, Our Saviours Lutheran of Fairfield, Holy Trinity Lutheran of Trumbull, and Grace Lutheran of Stratford. The initial thought was to do a drive for a food pantry in each community: Bishop Jean Williams in Bridgeport, Operation Hope in Fairfield, Trumbull Food Pantry in Trumbull, and Sterling House in Stratford. Each church took the lead in getting volunteers for their community. The success of the four drives this spring was amazing and encouraging. Thrivent Financial has also sponsored each drive and gives Refill the Pantries $250 which they turn over to the pantry.
Refill the Pantries has already scheduled four drives for the September-October period this fall for the same four pantries, and plans to have volunteers from all five churches assist. Mark your calendar – the drive for Operation Hope is October 28, details to follow. It’s truly amazing what can be accomplished when working together. Thank you!