Farm Fresh

Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator

East End Cooperative Ministry has a new partner in our Hunger Programs. Or rather, a cadre of new partners -- the local farmers who supply the East Liberty Farmer's Market. Every Monday from Mother's Day on into fall, as many as thirty farmers set up their stands in a parking lot in downtown East Liberty.

They do a booming business in vegetables, fruit, animal products, and flowers. But there's often some leftovers at the end of the day. (You can see where this is going...)

Who better to take those extras off their hands than East End Cooperative Ministry? We have recently worked out a relationship with the market so that after the market closes, farmers are invited to donate their surplus to EECM's Hunger Programs.

We've received a variety of big boxes of produce -- sweet corn, zucchini, tomatoes -- and all have been met with enthusiastic approval. Thanks to all the East Liberty Market farmers for sharing your bounty with us!

Hygiene Kits for the Homeless

Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator

It was an ambitious goal -- collect 100 backpacks and fill them with useful items for the homeless (like soap, razors, kleenex, toothpaste, etc.). But Chris, a teenager from Avalon, PA, was determined to make his "Hygiene Kits for the Homeless" a reality as part of an Eagle Scout project.

Chris says, "I originally got this project from an idea on the internet, that said that people were simply collecting backpacks and blankets to go to homeless people. I thought, why not keep the backpack idea, but put hygiene equipment in them instead? It could help the people look more presentable, and possibly help them get a job and increase their standard of living."

Chris found East End Cooperative Ministry through some Internet research and approached our Homeless Programs with his idea. We jumped at the offer (of course!) and connected him with the Orr Compassionate Care Center to discuss needs our clients might have.

Several months later, Chris returned, triumphant, with his donation -- 58 complete hygiene kits to EECM (with an additional 57 going to another shelter on the North Side). Each kit contained:

• Bar soap
• A razor
• Shaving cream
• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Shampoo
• Winter socks
• Winter gloves
• Knit cap
• Hand sanitizer
• Kleenex
• Deodorant
• Pocket Bible
• Handi-wipes

Local churches donated many of the items and a school teacher provided the backpacks. Other donations rolled in from stores like Giant Eagle, WalMart and various Dollar Stores. Members of his Boy Scout troop gathered together to assemble the backpacks last weekend and then they arrived at the Orr Center.

Our staff at the Center anticipate presenting the backpacks to our guests as they are ready to leave the Center. What a lovely gift!

Thanks from Day Camp

Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator

EECM's Summer Day Camp wrapped up last week. Five weeks flew by! I wanted to share with you a few cards that our campers made in art class.

Thank You Collage

Campers were asked to share their favorite thing about Camp.

So many fun things to choose from!

I think that about sums it up!

Volunteer Voices

Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator

Have you ever wondered what makes our volunteers tick? Why they choose to spend their free time serving in EECM's programs?

Well, wonder no more!

Introducing: East End Cooperative Ministry Volunteer Voices. This new section on the EECM website will feature video clips of volunteers sharing their experiences with our programs.

Just to wet your whistle, here's a clip from Soup Kitchen volunteer, Judith. You can find more Volunteer Voices here.