We made it through another Thanksgiving! The need increased, but I am so happy to report that we were able to meet the needs of all who came for assistance!
This year, DESK’s first task on the Monday of Thanksgiving week was to obtain a U-Haul truck and pick up more than 200 turkeys and loads of fixings. Volunteers descended on the DESK dinning hall and pantry to help unload the truck and van and assemble hundreds of turkey baskets from these supplies. The contents of this year’s baskets were better than any we have been able to offer in the past! Thanks to food donations of hundreds of individuals, hard work of the Connecticut Food bank, and cookie bags prepared by students from the Foote School, the baskets included not only a whole Turkey, but also stuffing, fresh fruit, fresh yams, and even pumpkin pies. The cookie bags were an added treat!
On Tuesday, DESK guests signed up to receive turkey baskets to be picked up later at the dinning hall. DESK collaborated with ICM and Center Church on Wednesday to prepare for serving 450 turkey meals with all the fixings, including rolls from Chabaso Bakery and homemade pies delivered on Thanksgiving morning. Volunteers carved turkeys, peeled potatoes, chopped carrots, and made stuffing all day at the DESK kitchen. Thursday, Thanksgiving, saw over a hundred volunteers come to the DESK dinning hall to deliver more than 450 take-home turkey meals to the elderly, homebound, and hungry of greater New Haven.
At noon on Thanksgiving, DESK held its annual turkey sit-down dinner in the dinning hall for all its guests. Rev, Sandra Olsen of Center Church on the Green blessed the meal that Jeanne May, DESK chef, had prepared entirely from fresh ingredients—no canned goods were used in any of DESK’s turkey meals this year!
Needless to say, this was a busy, busy week for DESK. Now that we have time to take a breath, we would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who helped throughout the week in this year’s Thanksgiving operations. There were so many of you who baked, served, hauled turkeys, held food drives, and delivered meals that it is really impossible to thank everyone who made valuable contributions to our effort, but here we go (in no particular order):
Although the list stops here, we know there are many we have not mentioned. To the literally hundreds who helped, please accept a heartfelt thank you on behalf of DESK! Happy holidays, and we wish you the best for the upcoming New Year.
All the best,
Jeanne Marie May, Director of Operations
Diana M. Richter, Executive Director
Please join us for the following events to have some fun and support DESK.
Visit our website to see our complete calendar of events for 2008.
Lamb Bombs, Nasty Disaster, Situation Murder, and Covin—four great bands and only a $5 cover, which benefits DESK.
Organizers: Mike Danz and Dan Amore
Brickhouse Bar, 383 Main Street, East Haven (203-469-8585)
The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut has chosen DESK as one of its charity beneficiaries for 2008, and will present “A Little Help from Your Friends” to benefit the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen. Along with a cash bar, the event will feature drag performers from Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. You must be 18 or older to attend this event!
A $15.00 donation will be collected.
Elks Lodge (#25), 524 State Street, New Haven
Doors open at 7:00 pm
Drop off donations at 311 Temple Street between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or call the kitchen (203-772-3400). Please remember that all of DESK’s offices and operations are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. We cannot accept deliveries on those days without previous arrangements!
Email Jeanne, and she’ll find something for you to do anytime from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Remember: DESK accepts all community service volunteers, and youth groups are also welcome!
The Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen is a member of the Emergency Food Council of Connecticut. Visit our website at www.emergencyfoodcouncil.com.
Diana M. Richter
Executive Director
P.O. Box 1478
New Haven, CT 06506
Phone: 203-624-6426
Fax: 203-624-2116
director@downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com