Dave’s Notes: Sept. 2026
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller
Happy late summer to everyone! I hope this note finds you all well and enjoying the bounty of the season. I chose to share the words of Helen Keller for this installment because they remind me of the incredible power of collaboration and how working together, we can tackle the challenges we face as a community. My evidence that Helen Keller’s words ring true: for over 30 years, Our Place, in collaboration and with support from all of you, has helped thousands of our neighbors and guests find community and sustenance. It is a tangible example of this community’s commitment to working together and making sure no one goes hungry. As I often say, I am continually impressed by the generosity and dedication so many of you have for this mission. I cannot thank you enough for your continued support.
This ends the second month of my fifth year as the Executive Director of Our Place. During this time, we have witnessed an incredible uptick in demand. When I began here at the tail end of the COVID, we were serving around 70-80 meals per day during the pandemic. Twenty-five of those meals were given out from a program called “Everyone Eats,” meaning folks took them as an “extra” meal to share or have later. Today, we serve 100-130 meals a day, and on particularly busy days toward the end of the month, we exceed 150 meals. In three years, the demand has doubled and there are no extras for us to give out.
This increase has been challenging but manageable.. However, increasing prices and an inflationary economy are now giving a second punch that is causing strain beyond what current resources can handle. I want to be careful and not paint a dour picture. I want to emphasize that we have been and are committed to meeting these challenges. That said, however, we must be proactive and continue to make adjustments so we can flourish and meet our mission for years to come.
Information like this will have many of you asking questions like, “How can you stay ahead of this?” or “How can I help?” Those are great questions! The answer lies in community. We need more of you, and more from you. We must raise more funds.
Simple, right? No, it’s easier said than done. Each of us is being asked to give more in recent months as the organizations that help people in our region have been facing similar challenges. Furthermore, many of you are having to make adjustments to cover your own cost-of-living expenses. We’re all affected.
If you can give, I hope you will. We will be immensely grateful and promise to put your money to work helping neighbors right here at home. However, there are other things everyone can do to help Our Place meet its mission:
Share Our Newsletter: If you know someone who might be interested in our mission, invite them to subscribe to our newsletter or just forward it along to them.
Engage on Social Media: Encourage friends and family to follow us on Facebook to stay updated on our initiatives and events.
Participate in Community Events: Join us for upcoming events, including the Overflow the Opera House on September 17 in Bellows Falls Center Square, 9 a.m.—4 p.m. Your participation makes a difference! Come down during the day with a purple shirt (or not) and help us spread good cheer as we collect money and food, or make an online donation here.
Donate Professional Skills: Do you have expertise in marketing, database management, or administrative tasks? Please consider donating your skills to help Our Place thrive.
Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact in our community. Thank you for being a vital part of Our Place!
Warm regards,
Dave
Executive Director, Our Place
Join Us to Overflow the Opera House
Thursday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Outside the Bellows Falls Opera House, on The Square in Bellows Falls, Vermont
The Overflow the Opera House event is a food and fund drive for the benefit of Our Place Community Food Center's Meals and Pantry Programs. Your participation makes a difference! Come down during the day with a purple shirt (or not) and help us spread good cheer as we collect money and food.
To donate to this good cause, bring your donation of cash or non-perishable food items to the Opera House on Thursday, Sept. 17. Or you can drop off food donations at Lisai's Market or directly to Our Place on The Island. If you would like to make a cash donation, you can do so at anytime here.