Special to the Aroostook Republican
The sign is nearly ready to go up, just waiting for the installation of the vinyl siding and then Elizabeth Richardson will be opening the Washburn Soup Kitchen the middle of November, located at 18 Trafton Street. This is an opportunity for Washburn residents to get together and help our community help others. This winter season promises to be a hard one with the economy and hard times being as they are and fuel prices at an all-time high. Temporary hours will be two days a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3 to 5 p.m. There will also be a Food Pantry on the premises, and food boxes will also be put up based on income guidelines and distributed on a weekly schedule to be set up in the near future.
This program is not funded by any government program, not grant-funded and is all non-profit, so any donations of canned, frozen or other non-perishables will be welcome. Monthly gifts will also be much appreciated as well as any other monetary donations. The site of the kitchen is being donated by T.J. Winslow as well as others who have generously supported the opening of the Soup Kitchen including Wal-Mart, Dead River and a donation from St. Catherine’s Thrift Shop, Washburn Food Mart, Babe’s Variety, Gift Food Pantry, ACAP and Good Shepherd Food Pantry.
Upcoming through the Washburn school system will be a two-week food drive for those who wish to send non-perishables with their children, and a special food drive to be done weekly by the State Road Advent Christian Church.
This program is being operated on a volunteer and donation basis, so any individuals or groups wishing to donate time to serve, cook and clean up will be more than welcome, with short- or long-term volunteers much appreciated. The “Wish List” for the Washburn Soup Kitchen includes: pots and pans, a refrigerator, a chest freezer, some big kettles, as well as tables and chairs.
There is currently an abundant supply of clothes, shoes, coats and other winter wear. Donations of food, money and clothing will be thankfully accepted. All proceeds of the Soup Kitchen will go towards the operational costs of the kitchen. Officers include: Director Elizabeth Richardson, Overseer Alice Curtis, Treasurer Lucy Lovely and Board members Alice Curtis, Kathy Winslow and Tracey Richardson. More Board members are hoped for, especially one to fill the position of secretary. There will be monthly meetings held by the board in order to ensure proper operation of the kitchen.
There will be informational leaflets in area stores and businesses in the near future and for further information, contact Elizabeth Richardson at 455-4900.
