The Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen
www.downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com
Quick Notes
A Note from the Staff
Diana, Jeanne, and Alex would like to wish a happy new year to all of D.E.S.K.’s volunteers and supporters. This past year, D.E.S.K. served over 50,000 meals, which is an all-time record for our organization!
This year marks the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen’s 20th anniversary of serving the greater New Haven Community. Established in 1987, D.E.S.K. continues its mission of feeding the food insecure of greater New Haven. Please take the time to view our “2006 Letter Appeal” [http://www.downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com/downloads/letter_appeal_2006.pdf] and to contribute to the growing efforts of D.E.S.K. We serve a growing number of individuals, working poor, and families, and your volunteer efforts and financial support are greatly needed to carry out all of D.E.S.K.’s programs. Help us celebrate D.E.S.K.’s 20th anniversary by participating in this year’s fundraising events. See the calendar on the website for event information.
Renovations
D.E.S.K. will be renovating the central kitchen (311 Temple St) at Center Church Parish house in the upcoming month. Funds for this project have been secured from the state of Connecticut, state bond funds, the Livable City Initative (LCI) of New Haven, Center Church on the Green, and private donors. D.E.S.K. would like to extend a special thanks to architect Fred Johnson of Sapienza & Lessig Architects & Planners for his pro-bono work. His contributions have been a crucial part of the project.
Now, don’t worry—D.E.S.K. plans to continue all of its programs during the renovations. Rev. John Gage and the United Church on the Green [http://www.newlights.org/] have offered the kitchen and dining room of their parish house (323 Temple St) for our use during this time, enabling D.E.S.K. to continue all of its food programs. Thank you, United Church! More information concerning the D.E.S.K. central kitchen renovation will be distributed in upcoming e-newsletters.
New Board Member
Congratulations to new board member Rosa Nieves, a resident of Fair Haven. Rosa is a recent graduate of Quinnipiac University, and she will be helping D.E.S.K. as a data secretary and computer advisor. Rosa has also expressed interest in being an advocate for our Latino guests. Welcome to the board, Rosa!
Thanks & Recognition
Electronic Equipment
Thank you to Hal Simpson, the husband of board member Jan Simpson, who graciously donated a gently used computer system for the D.E.S.K. offices. Thanks also to Rosa Nieves, a new board member, who donated a digital camera. You better look out, because the website will soon have even more pictures of our volunteers and supporters!
University of New Haven Women’s Basketball
D.E.S.K. would like to give a big thanks to the winning women’s basketball team from the University of New Haven. This division II team’s coaches and athletes began volunteering in the pantry in January unloading the van and stocking the pantry shelves. Good luck to all of you in your post-season play!
The Kasowitz Family
Since 1996, Sherry Kasowitz and her children (Eric, Adam, Ian, Evan, and Alexis) have been integral helpers at the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen. They have consistently served at our Monday night Trinity Church Meal, and they have contributed prize money from various scholarships. The members of the Kasowitz family have also conducted food drives and clothing drives. Even now that some of the older children are away at college, D.E.S.K. is grateful for the help they give every time they return. Thank you, Kasowitz family, for all you have done and continue to do for D.E.S.K.!
Anne, Jessica, and Abigail Tubis
Anne and her children, Jessica and Abigail, have made a number of significant contributions to D.E.S.K. The three have held food drives, raised money, and collected shopping cards, and they are regular servers at D.E.S.K. meals. It is a delight to see the commitment this family has to serving others. D.E.S.K. would like to thank the Tubis ladies for all their help!
Current Needs
New Food Steamer
D.E.S.K. is requesting donations to purchase a new food steamer for the central kitchen (311 Temple St). So far, $180 has been raised toward meeting this $3000 need. If you would like to contribute, please indicate that your donation is for the “Steamer” and send it to:
D.E.S.K.
P.O. Box 1478
New Haven, CT 06506
Information
Food Donations
Drop off donations at 311 Temple Street between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, or call the kitchen (203-772-3400).
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact Jeanne (JeanneMarieMay@aol.com), and she’ll find something for you to do anytime from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Remember: D.E.S.K. accepts all community service volunteers, and youth groups are also welcome!
Removal from E-Newsletter List
To be removed from the E-Newsletter mailing list, please email webmaster@downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com.
Contact D.E.S.K.
Diana M. Richter
Executive Director
P.O. Box 1478
New Haven, CT 06506
Phone: 203-624-6426
Fax: 203-624-2116