BRATTLEBORO — On March 16, 2005, First Baptist Church opened its doors to offer a free evening meal to the community.
The intention was to provide a balanced meal to those in need in an environment that was friendly and safe. This mission was named in honor of Grace Thomas Deyo Wood, who, at the time, was the oldest member of the church. She passed away in May 2006, but her legacy lived on.
Now, the time has come to close the doors on this mission. With great sadness, we announce that our last community meal will be served on Oct. 28.
Thanks to all who supported and donated to this meal over the last 11 years.
We partnered with the Vermont Foodbank early on to serve well-balanced meals with quality food reasonably and inexpensively. Other food contributors included the Wednesday Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market, whose participants delivered fresh vegetables weekly during the summer season. For the last two years, High Meadows Farm provided fall vegetables deep into the winter.
Monetary donations were received monthly from the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 1034 for many years. Other private donations also helped to purchase food.
Support, both food and equipment, was also provided by the Brattleboro Area Drop In Center.
The program would not have been possible without the many volunteers - way too many to mention by name.
Most of the volunteers were from the community at large, and at least 75 percent were non-FBC members. As word of the mission circulated through the community, many just wanted to be a part of it. All who participated found it very rewarding. Some have been preparing and serving for five, eight, even 10 years or longer.
This thank-you seems like a small token, considering the large service provided to the community. It sounds trite to say it could not have happened without all of the support given to the project.
It has been a successful adventure.