Hi and happy weekend!
I’ve got something special for you this weekend. A week or so ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with the manager of a very important organization in Burlington that many of our residents aren’t even aware exists!
Julie Lewis is the Pantry Manager for People Helping People, Burlington’s food pantry. Currently located at St. Mark’s, this wonderful group supports many of our town’s families, and many others might qualify and not know it. You can learn all about Julie and People Helping People in the podcast, which drops at noon tomorrow! If you’re a paid subscriber, you’ll get immediate access to the podcast – so if you’ve been thinking about becoming a paid member but haven’t gotten around to it, now is a good time! The podcast will become public a week from publication, on April 24.
Our nearly half-hour conversation covered a lot of topics:
- Who is Julie and how did her passions and experience come together to make her the right Pantry Manager for People Helping People?
- 70+ weekly volunteers support about 140 families per month! But many others in the community might need assistance and not know they qualify. PHP protects your privacy and is eager to help!
- People Helping People got started in United Church of Christ and has expanded twice since then, and is about to move into an even bigger facility on May 25!
- PHP partners with several partner organizations to provide emergency assistance, ongoing assistance, and holiday programs. They do food distribution including meat, dairy, canned goods, and fresh produce as well as personal items such as deodorant and shampoo and baby items such as diapers.
- The Pumpkin Patch at St. Mark’s directly benefits People Helping People!
- Walk for Hunger to benefit Project Bread is coming on May 1. This is a 5-mile walk on the BHS track. Sign up now, or donate directly! Our goal for Burlington is to raise $5000, and I’m positive we can blow that goal out of the water! Full press release here.
- People are people! You can help break the stigma surrounding people in need of assistance.
- Hours are Tuesdays 3-7, Wednesdays 11-2, and Thursdays 10-12.
Be sure to catch the podcast for more of this wonderful conversation. Remember, paid subscribers get instant access as soon as it’s released tomorrow at noon!
See you tomorrow, friends!
Nicci
