To the editor:
After a fire in East Hardwick village destroyed the homes of six families, Helen Beattie of Neighbor-to-Neighbor called and asked if the East Hardwick Neighborhood Organization (EHNO) would organize some meals for one of the families. This family of six includes four children who lost everything that was in their apartment when it burned. Immediately, EHNO created a food train to provide 10 dinners over two weeks and sent an email out to the EHNO mailing list. Within three days the community had signed-up to provide every main dish as well as many sides and desserts. Because there were more who asked to contribute to meals, we added two days and enough rows for 12 more side dishes to the sign-up sheet. In the end, most of the meals included a main course, a salad, side dishes, bread and home baked desserts. Some also added muffins or cinnamon buns and juices for breakfast.
When the community wanted to contribute more, EHNO decided to fill a gift basket with pantry items. On Saturday, EHNO delivered 15 grocery bags full of pantry staples and canned, boxed and frozen food items to help this family stock the kitchen in their new home.
Over the two weeks of this project, 21 families plus a Hazen Union class cooked and baked to provide 12 meals. Fifteen families contributed pantry items, four provided grocery gift cards and two gave cash donations for a Saturday delivery. Additionally, many offered pots, pans, utensils, linens, furniture, children’s toys and more.
The community appreciates the help of the Ambrosino-Burke family, Reeve Basom of the Center for an Agricultural Economy and the Hazen Union students, John Buscemi, Carrie and Doug Casavant, Deb and Pete Cook and Care Bear Day Care Center, Jamie L. Emmerson, the Fliegelman family, MJ Fradette, Irene Nagle and Brian Gilmartin, Steve Gorelick, Tracy Martin and Dave Gross, Kathy Hemmens, Ellen Gershun and Bill Half, Meredith Holch, Johanna and John Laggis, Kris and Mike Lance, Jim Lewis and Regina Wdowiak, Mary-Ellen and Jim Lovinsky, Pam and Ed Luther, Gary Michaels, Nancy and Helm Nottermann, Gail and David O’Brien, Margie Prevot, Elizabeth Rossano, Carol Schminke, Yvette Stevens, Mary Whitaker, Ranny Bledsoe and Derek Williams, Heather Wright.
I feel so lucky to be part of this caring and generous community. East Hardwick, you are absolutely the best!
Cheryl Luther Michaels,
Secretary of EHNO
East Hardwick
