October 2023 Newsletter
The fall 2023 edition of the CAFC newsletter is filled with exciting news. In addition to our ongoing work to make a difference in our community by providing resources for financial assistance, supplemental nutritional food, affordable clothing and household goods, we are also improving our building, planning events and looking for new board members.
Project Next Steps is moving forward to improve and expand our building. Cenate LLC will be starting construction soon, so keep an eye on the left rear corner of our building. Thrift shop volunteers are looking forward to an expanded, safe environment to accept, sort and store donations. We hope this new space will allow us to retire our “not accepting donations today” sign.
We have two important events coming up. Our annual Holiday Food Drive starts in October. Our fourth annual Empty Bowl Dinner will be held on November 18, 2023, 4:30-7PM at the American Legion Hall, 635 VT RT 103 Chester, Vermont.
CAFC Holiday Food Drive
Our Goal for this year’s Food Drive is to provide 100 Holiday Food Baskets with an expanded assortment of food items for Food Shelf Recipients. These are challenging times, and we believe that everyone deserves a bountiful Holiday meal. The Family Center would like your help. Please consider making a cash or food donation. You can make a cash donation via PayPal or mail a check made out to CAFC/Holiday Food to CAFC, PO Box 302 Chester, VT 05143.
Drop off food donations to the Food Shelf on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings between 10 and 12 AM. Call us at 802-875-3236 if you need an alternate drop off time.
Holiday Food Basket Wish List
Cranberry Sauce, Gravy, Stuffing, Green Beans, Mushroom Soup, Stuffing Mix, French Fried Onions, Pumpkin and Apple Pie Filling, Maple Syrup, 8oz.
Refrigerated, readymade, pie crust, Fresh produce: potatoes, carrots, apples, oranges
Frozen Turkeys and Turkey Breasts
Please check in with your friends and neighbors. If they are residents of Chester or Andover and in need of supplemental food, signing up is easy. Just come to the food shelf during business hours, Thursdays, 1-4 and Fridays 10-2, with proof of residency. A volunteer will help you complete an application.
Fourth Annual Empty Bowl Dinner
This year, our Empty Bowl Dinner will be on Saturday, November 18th, 4:30pm – 7pm, at the American Legion Hall,635 VT RT 103 Chester, Vermont. Please join us for soups, bread and desserts donated by local chefs and take home a hand- painted bowl. Enjoy live music by guest folk singer Vinnie DiBernardo, bid in our Silent Auction and participate to win one or more of our famous Raffle Baskets.
Our Fashion Show featuring Thrift Shop Apparel is back bigger and better than ever. Be ready for some surprises.
As always, Entrance is by Donation, and event proceeds benefit CAFC food shelf and financial assistance programs.
The CAFC would like to acknowledge and thank EBD sponsors: One Credit Union, M&T Bank, Chester American Legion and Endless Creations Pottery.
And last but not least, the CAFC is always considering adding new board members. As you can see from this newsletter, we are an active board working hard to address food and financial insecurity in our community. If you have an interest and would like to know more about us, please give us a call at 802-875-3236. Leave a message and a board member will return your call.