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Community
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demic did decrease the number of families served, but over the past few years, the number has defi- nitely risen. And, of course, their store is well-stocked with seasonal items and more!
As the holidays approach, the food pantry is a staple in the community as they give back to families who would like to enjoy the happy time of year. They are currently taking names of food pantry families for their Thanks- giving Baskets. People who are interested in receiving a Thanks- giving Basket can call the center, or they can come right in. People have until November 22nd to sign up, and the baskets will be avail- able to pick up the Monday before Thanksgiving, which is Novem- ber 25th. If anyone is interested in donating Thanksgiving food like boxed stuffing, canned goods, gravy, cranberry, or potato mix, feel free to stop by the center!
Diane told me that people will usually come in and donate, and they are so appreciative of every- one who takes the time to help and give back to the community.
NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM
November 2024
Generally, they are looking for non-perishable items to donate to their families, like canned goods, peanut butter, jelly, canned meat like chicken and tuna, spaghetti sauce, pasta, pasta mixes, and rice. Other than canned goods and other boxed products, Payne also informed me that they’re also always on the lookout for dessert-type foods like mixes, pancake mix, waffle mix, and syrups, as well as snacks and drinks like gummies, crackers, granola bars, water, juice, soda, hot cocoa, and more. And con- diments are always welcome as well! They also accept toiletries, paper goods, cleaning products, and healthcare items.
The people of this commu- nity have really rallied around the food pantry and have donated so much. “It’s so nice to see people donate the whole nine yards to help out this community.” This support not only provides essen- tial resources to those in need but also strengthens the community. As we move through the holiday season, it’s clear that the efforts of local residents make a real dif- ference in the lives of many.
GIVING THANKS
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My first article was published in December of 2021. It was a brief biopic of a Bris-
tol resident, a woman
so engaging that I
would look forward
to researching most
of the subsequent
stories through per-
sonal interviews. She
is well-liked in spite of
the fact that she takes
a lot of money from
many people twice
every year. The fact
that she gives back so
much time and energy
to the town is more
than making up for
the money collected,
which some residents
find onerous. She has
given back in many
ways, such as “Danc-
ing with the Stars” for
charity, and she cheers
the Town’s little chil-
dren by bringing Mrs.
Santa Claus to visit them each Christmas time. As you know by now, her real name is Rahmah
Simpson. I discovered that Rah- mah was such a convincing gift- giver, that by the end of my story, I was hearing sleigh bells. A year later, I learned that Santa had
to the Tapply Center.
Earlier, in the summer of
2022, I wrote about the Robie sisters. You may have seen the two retired educators, Lucille
and Hilda, as they (and their volunteer “crews”) make downtown Bristol a beautiful and inviting location for year-round residents and summer vis- itors. Lucille is involved in so much volunteer work that she was awarded the Bristol Community Spirit Award in August of 2023.
In 2023, I wrote about another helpful neighbor, Debbie Doe, a teacher of the blind and founder of The Joyful Noise Uke Band. Subsequently, I met a team of volunteers in Plymouth who have given time and treasure to the dispossessed people (especially children) of Ukraine. The leaders of this continuing effort are
Steve Rand, Susan Matheson, Alex Ray, and Lisa Mure.
Later, in 2023, I turned my reporting to the creative work
another helpful envoy, Doug Wil- liams, who thrills children during the holiday season by bringing his version of the Polar Express