Opinion

Mayoral Notes: Many thanks to a giving community

By Charlene Lovett
The arrival of November marks a time of thanksgiving. On Veterans Day, we give thanks to those who are or have served in the United States Armed Forces. Ideally, on Thanksgiving Day, we gather in gratitude for all that we have received throughout the year. Being in a global pandemic, the idea of gratitude may seem particularly challenging this year. Many of our neighbors are facing financial hardships, health concerns, separation from family and friends or the loss of loved ones. To overcome such realities, there are countless examples of people helping one another, cultivating a sense of wellbeing despite our current circumstances.

Food insecurity, always a subject of concern, draws more attention around the holidays. Each year, the faith community and multiple organizations throughout Claremont gather items for Thanksgiving baskets and distribute them to those in need. It is a volunteer effort to help ensure that no one is without a traditional meal on Thanksgiving Day. However, the pandemic has created a greater need for food assistance, expanding the need for the community to work together to distribute food beyond the holidays.

The growing need for food assistance was evident on Oct. 15 during the New Hampshire Food Bank’s first food drive in Claremont. During that event, volunteers from multiple organizations worked together to distribute 350 boxes that contained dairy products, eggs, meat and produce. Within one hour, volunteers ran out of boxes to give those who were waiting in line.

Seeing the need in the community, the New Hampshire Food Bank chose Sullivan county for recurring mobile drives. At the second food drive on Nov. 10, volunteers distributed 750 boxes and another 600 boxes on Nov. 17. In December, food drives are scheduled on a weekly basis. All drives will be in Claremont at Runnings. Dates are Tuesday, Dec. 1; Tuesday, Dec. 8; Tuesday, Dec. 15; and Tuesday, Dec. 29. To volunteer at the upcoming drives, please contact Ashley Moulton at [email protected].

These food drives augment services provided by the Claremont Soup Kitchen throughout the year. The Claremont Soup Kitchen, located at 53 Central St., continues to provide breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, and evening meals seven days a week during the pandemic. Breakfast and lunch meals are packaged for pickup, and indoor service is provided at the dinner meal. The Claremont Soup Kitchen also manages a food pantry that serves all of Sullivan County.

Both the food drives and the Claremont Soup Kitchen could not function without the assistance of volunteers and community donations. If you would like to help the Soup Kitchen, they can always use monetary donations or staple food items such as canned protein, macaroni and cheese, soup and juice. For further information regarding the Soup Kitchen or Food Pantry, please contact Executive Director Cindy Stevens via phone at (603) 543-3290 or via email at [email protected].

When we look back on Thanksgiving 2020, we will remember the pandemic and the many difficulties we experienced. However, it is my hope that we will also remember that we prevailed in large part due to the kindness and generosity of our neighbors. To all who have lent a helping hand or offered a kind word, many thanks for giving during a time of great need.

Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and a 22-year Army veteran. She welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].

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