Shoreline Fire Departments Raise Food and Funds for Shoreline Soup Kitchens

(photo: Shoreline Soup Kitchens)

By Claire Bellerjeau, Director of Development & Outreach for The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries  

The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries’ 5^th Annual Firehouse Food Drive took place on Saturday, April 2^nd, amid often torrential downpours of rain. Despite the wet conditions, with the generosity of the community, and many determined volunteers, close to 4,000 pounds of food was collected for local residents in need.  Generous supporters also donated over $850, which will provide enough food for over 2,000 meals. The five fire stations taking part this year included Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Essex, Chester, and Clinton. 

Firefighter Max Sabrin, with the Old Saybrook FD, helped to bring together members of the media, including radio sponsors Full Power Radio, Miss L from Jammin' 107.7FM, and News Now 94.9FM; and media coverage from NEWS 8

WTNH and NBC CT News. Gil Simmons, Chief Meteorologist at NEWS 8, WTNH, visited the OSFD Headquarters to lend a hand and help spread the word about the food drive. In addition, the Old Saybrook Stop & Shop, Clinton Stop & Shop, and Old Saybrook Big Y offered donation areas, manned by firehouse and community volunteers. 

Spring is traditionally a challenging time for area food pantries, as there are traditionally fewer food drives. This collection of much needed food and funds will help to fill the shelves at SSKP’s pantries.

“The weather was challenging this year, and we are so thankful for the support of all those who were willing to come out on a rainy Saturday to help our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Patty Dowling, SSKP Executive Director. “We are so grateful to those who donated and especially to all the fire houses and volunteers that worked so hard at this year’s drive.”

The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSKP) provides food and fellowship to people in need and educates the community about hunger and poverty, serving 11 shoreline towns. Founded 27 years ago, they accomplish their mission with the help of over 900 dedicated volunteers. Last year SSKP provided food for over one million meals to over 8,000 local residents in need.