In her annual “zucchini letter,” Laura Minor reminds people that the need for food and housing are perennial issues, exasperated by Covid-19, but there is something anyone with a garden might be able to help out with.
The body of her letter reads:
What do you do with the extra zucchini (and chard, tomatoes, beans, etc.)?
It’s tougher this year with our soup kitchens not serving meals but some are accepting produce. Please do check with each beforehand to see if you can bring something extra.
I’ve started the list for you by contacting these wonderful organizations and finding out what they need now. So, here we go:
St. Vincent DePaul Shelter: (860-589-9098) – 19 Jacobs St. They cannot take fresh veggies or home-baked goods at this time. They are accepting monetary donations. Mail a check to them at PO Box 1922, Bristol 06011-1922. http://www.svdpofbristol.com/home.aspx
Brian’s Angels (99 Summer Street, Rear @ Center Street – Entrance on Center Street). Message Pat Stebbins at 860.995.6858 before coming – they are usually there from about 3:30 – 5 p.m.– Bottles of water, lunch meats, American cheese, white bread, sugar, coffee, individually wrapped snacks, chips, cookies, etc. men’s and women’s sandals and sneakers, men’s boxers in L, XL, XXL, ladies and men’s shorts, hot cups, cold cups, cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer. They are also looking for sponsors for a hot meal at night. Message Pat and she can get you on the calendar. https://briansangels.org/
Salvation Army: (860-583-4651) – 19 Stearns St. – They are only providing pick up and go meals currently. They do need non-perishable goods, bottled water for lunches, snacks, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They do want fresh veggies. Call to find out when you can come. https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southern-new-england/bristol/
Zion Lutheran Soup Kitchen -Meals for Neighbors: (860-589-7744) – 27 Judd St. Drop off donations from Monday through Thursday ONLY – 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meals for Neighbors is Bristol’s oldest Soup Kitchen operating since 1982. Coffee, Chef Boyardee products, canned veggies (peas and corn), pasta, soups, stews, cereal, personal hygiene items, (shampoo/conditioner, soap, toothpaste/brush, lotion, etc.), ramen noodles, money or grocery gift cards (Aldi’s, Price Chopper, etc.). Fresh veggies. https://bristolzion.org/outreach/
For Goodness Sake: (860.916.7138) – For Goodness Sake helps people recovering from homelessness and other severe life events by providing donated furniture. They are always in need of small to medium sized kitchen tables, dressers, dishes, pots & pans, utensils, linens, and lamps. They provide “Welcome Home Baskets” which include new personal care items (deodorant, body wash, shampoo, etc.) and cleaning supplies (window cleaner, bathroom cleaners, sponges, toilet scrubbers, paper towels, laundry detergent, etc.). To donate, schedule an appointment on their website at www.forgoodnessake.org to drop off in person at 123 Whiting Street, Unit A, Plainville, CT. Hours are Saturdays from 9am-1pm and Sundays from 12pm-3pm
Agape House – (860.261.5733) 43 School Street – Powdered creamer, coffee, paper towels, pop-top Chef Boyardee products, paper cups, plates and bowls, pudding cups, bottled water and Lysol wipes. Donations are accepted between 8 &9 am Monday through Saturday. https://www.theagapehousebristol.org/
Daar Ul Eshaan Blessed Pantry – (860.585.9742) – 739 Terryville Ave. CLOSED CURRENTLY.
Necessities Cupboard – check their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/NecessitiesCupboard/
Please share this information with friends. You can post it on your fridge or keep it with your grocery list. Thank you one and all!