photo by Jessica Murphy
article by Donna Tibedo
To increase awareness during Hunger and Homelessness week, the United Parish of Upton’s Senior Youth group students are bringing their warmest layers and blankets to sleep-out in cars in front of our church beginning on November 15th at 6:00 pm. A cold, parked car says, “Home Sweet Home” to the homeless that battle the harsh elements among the many hurdles of living on the streets. Students will set an example of learning from this brief picture of hardship as they sit outside and share a community soup meal. Each student is invited to bring one can of soup to contribute to the larger community soup meal that the students and adult advisors will share. Mmmmm-mmmm! The recipe: Chicken noodle, Manhattan clam chowder, split pea, minestrone, beef and vegetable, and whatever other soup might show up; mix well, heat over open fire, enjoy. A hot, hearty meal on the streets is one that is always welcome.
Please join us in support of our efforts in Hunger and Homeless awareness by dropping off non-perishable food items to the grocery carts at our camp-out site at 1 Church Street, Upton. The food will go directly to the United Parish of Upton Food Pantry that feeds approximately 20 families from Upton and surrounding towns. We will also be accepting monetary donations through the church for our cause, the Interfaith Hospitality Network*.
The community’s efforts of kindness will be greatly appreciated in our “drive” to increase awareness and help support those less fortunate in our community with a few more nutritious meals.
* The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Worcester (IHN) works in partnership with the faith community to provide shelter and assistance to families with children who are homeless. IHN of Greater Worcester serves families who do not qualify for state-funded Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter through the Department of Housing and Community Development; making it a critical program in the community safety net for families that are homeless. The program accepts families regardless of income and family structure including men and male children over the age of 13 who might otherwise need to go to an all-male shelter, further enabling a family to remain intact while navigating these troubling and stressful times.
UPTON DAILY 