An All Heart Story – Bristol Neighbors Helping Neighbors

June 29, 2017

From time to time, we post positive sentiments from the residents of Bristol….This is one example of why our City is called the “All Heart” City.

Well over twenty years ago, Jim (Fhyre) Phoenix helped start and then ran what is now St. Vincent De Paul Shelter. He pointed out to me that in the summer, people forget about the needs of the shelters and soup kitchens. Everyone is generous at Thanksgiving and Christmas but not in the summer.

I wrote a letter to the Bristol Press suggesting that folks bring excess garden produce and also non-perishables down to the shelter and it had a tremendous response. Over the years, I’ve contacted each agency to see what they need and I add it into the body of the letter. Here’s this year’s version.

It’s zucchini time!! AND it’s time for my annual letter to the editor reminding folks with gardens to share their extra produce with our soup kitchens, shelters and other agencies who are feeding and caring for those who need a little help.

Below, I’ve listed most of these wonderful Bristol community agencies and organizations with their addresses and phone numbers and their needs beyond just produce. If you do not have a garden, you can still drop by and bring paper goods, coffee, juice, snacks (for the volunteers as well), …how about just a Stop and Shop gift card? Even your leftovers from your tag sale might be a boon to our shelters (and For Goodness Sake) – gently used clean towels? an extra TV? A vacuum cleaner? Paper goods (buy a six-pack of paper towels and donate 2)? Tools?

Below is the list of most of our wonderful, social service folks who need your assistance in helping those among us who are in need. Please be generous with your gifts or maybe just your time. How about volunteering?

Salvation Army: (860-583-4651) – 19 Stearns St. – Fresh veggies and fruits, peanut butter, tuna and non-perishables including canned food (vegetables, soups, fruits, stews, etc.), cereal, pasta, sauce, Cremora, coffee, diapers, Depends, toiletries, paper goods. Also, Back to School items: notebooks, pencils, pens, glue sticks, folders.
Brian’s Angels: Message or text Pat Stebbins at 860.995.6858 – Running the Cooling Center at St. Vincent De Paul this summer for folks who have nowhere to go during the day. They need: Chef Boyardee, juice mixes, juices, crackers, NON-condensed soups, cookies. Of course, sneakers, shorts, tanks and t-shirts are non-perishable, too. Pat is looking for tents and sleeping bags as well.
St. Vincent DePaul Shelter: (860-589-9098) – 19 Jacobs St. –
Maintenance: would love to have some home Depot gift cards available to purchase the supplies he needs to fix stuff around the shelter.
Navigator: there’s a need for alarm clocks that don’t use electricity. People sleeping in tents can’t charge their phones to set alarms and they often miss important appointments. Battery operated or wind up would work.
Shelter Director’s wish list also includes twin or extra long twin sheets; shower curtains; bath sized towels and 3 table lamps
Cook’s wish list: dish towels (the kind you dry dishes with), powdered drink mixes – canister size; lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers for salad; cans of sauerkraut; cans of potatoes; ketchup, yellow and brown spicy mustard, mayonnaise. Also – Their 4 slice toaster just “bit the dust”.
BUS PASSES.

For Goodness Sake: (860.916.7138) – 273 Riverside Avenue – (They collect ANY household items for St. Vincent families who are moving into their own homes.) They always need volunteers to help move furniture and organize donations. Contact them at info@forgoodnessake.org or donate on Saturday mornings between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Soup Kitchen: (860-589-7744) – 27 Judd St. Drop off fruits, veggies and baked goods from Monday through Thursday ONLY. They are low on EVERYTHING but most needed are canned potatoes, carrots and fruits, soups, Minute Rice, canned tuna, jelly and coffee. Grocery store gift cards (Shop-Rite, Stop and Shop, etc.) are always appreciated.
Christian Fellowship Center (860-589-0662) 43 Prospect St.– Drop off Tuesday through Friday (8:30-4:30) – fresh fruit and veggies, eggs, oil, clean plastic grocery bags, soda (for their volunteers), non-perishable goods (including canned gravy and vegetables), dishwasher detergent, Styrofoam soup bowls, Styrofoam 6 in. plates and plastic spoons and Cremora. They always need volunteers.
Daar Ul Eshaan Blessed Pantry – (860.585.9742) – 739 Terryville Ave. They will only accept fresh veggies and vegetarian offerings. Contact them directly regarding dropping off donations.

How about we try an “Each one, reach one” campaign? Please share this information with at least one other friend. Thanks!

Laura S. Minor