MACC Minutes October 26, 2023

October 26, 2023.

As we get closer to the holiday season, it’s important to remember those in our community who may be struggling. This year has been particularly challenging for many, and now, more than ever, we need to come together to support one another. By donating to MACC Charities or volunteering your time, you can make a difference in the lives of those in need. Whether it’s providing food for families or warm clothing for the homeless, your contribution can bring joy and comfort to those who are less fortunate. Let’s spread the spirit of giving this holiday season and help make our community a better place for all.

Emergency of Hunger Food Drive 2023

The Annual Emergency of Hunger Food Drive is just around the corner. Week one is set to kick off on November 11th and 12th! While grocery shopping at Stop & Shop or Highland Park, Manchester, pick up a few items off the needs list to donate, and our partners from ASM and the MPD will collect and bring them back to MACC. Your generous donations will directly go to helping the Community Emergency Food Pantry’s families in need this holiday season. If you cannot make it the first weekend, the food drive will also be at Stop and Shop, Manchester, the following weekend on the 18th and 19th! See you there!

Every Thursday, when Community Threads Thrift Shoppe is getting ready to open, Thomas Johnstone is the first volunteer to walk through the door! Thomas came to MACC a little over a year ago with a smile and an enthusiastic attitude toward learning what the volunteers do in the Community Threads Thrift Shoppe. He has since become a master sorter of donations, ensuring that the quality meets MACC’s standard of “if you would not wear it, we will not sell it.” Thomas’s sense of humor never falters and always keeps us smiling! Thank you, Thomas, for all your hard work and dedication!

-Patti Thurlow
Operations Manager

I want to give special kudos to these two wonderful young ladies. Linda & Sally have become quite the dynamic duo in the Community Kitchen for us on Mondays. They are pleasant to work with and willing to conquer any task. Each day they volunteer, they work diligently to dice vegetables, build sandwiches, and assist in other meal prep to ensure each meal is ready for lunch service. Thank you, Linda & Sally, for your dedication to providing quality food and service to the guests we serve.

-Chef Ferdinand Cruz
Community Kitchen Head Chef

Homeless In 2023

There continues to be an increase in MACC’s Community Outreach & Emergency Services (COES) in both reported unsheltered and requests for emergency services. I recently looked at the hard numbers in each area and wanted to share our results. During our 2022-2023 fiscal year, our Community Outreach reported unsheltered referrals hit 213, an increase of 52% over the previous year, and our Emergency Services requests exceeded over 2300 contacts, a 30% increase year over year. In addition, we conducted more than 230 outreach engagements, both solo and in conjunction with the Manchester Police Department, that consisted of over 640 hours in the community, searching for and meeting face-to-face with those most in need.

-Timothy Bohr
Community Outreach and Emergency Services Manager

Community Spotlight

Manchester Early Childhood Collaborative, ECHN Family Birthing Center, and ECHN Family Development Center are working together to host a Community Baby Shower for Manchester families. The event is November 4th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Manchester Memorial Hospital, offering activities, toys, and local resources for newborns and those expecting. Space is limited, so register now.

-Chance Wetmore
Social Media and Systems Specialist

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