Jeannie Goldberg of Lyme was distraught after the most recent shooting rampage in Pittsburg. In her words posted on Facebook, “I have been struggling with the fact that ANOTHER mass shooting occurred this weekend. I have been overcome with anger and hate for the fact this keeps happening and we as a country refuse to change.”
But, unlike most of us, she continues, “I decided for myself that I need to turn this around and figure out how to spread love instead of resentment.”
She took her concept to Mary Seidner, Director of Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB), who agreed to help with what Goldberg now describes as an “insane idea.” Out of their discussions, ’11 Days of Kindness’ was conceived in which Lyme and Old Lyme come together as a community and help each other, talk with each other and just spend time together.
The plan is to spend 11 days this month collecting items for neighbors in need. The 11 days represent the 11 lives lost in the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shootings.
To kick the project off, join others this Sunday, Nov. 4, from 1 a.m. to 2 p.m. at LYSB at 59, Lyme Street, where donations will be accepted for the Lyme- Old Lyme Food Bank, New London Homeless Hospitality Center, and the Shoreline Soup Kitchens.
Join those gathered at LYSB to make cookies, goodie bags and cards to be distributed to First Responders, helpers around town, etc.
Come bring some baked goods to donate or just to share with your neighbors. Stay for coffee, tea, cider, treats, and the like.
Items needed are:
- Coats, boots, gloves, socks, under clothes, hats
- Non perishable food items for the Food Bank for the Holidays
- Gift cards (gas, food, area restaurants, oil changes, haircuts, target, Walmart, etc)
- Toiletries (not covered by food stamps)
- Cleaning supplies (not covered by food stamps)
- Pet food
- Diapers and wipes (adult and kid)
- Cash or check for fuel assistance for Lyme Old Lyme residents
- Books for the Phoebe’s Book Cellar
- Granola bars, snacks, cookies, baked items, fruit (apples, oranges, clementines, bananas) for the homeless shelter.
If you cannot be there on Sunday, LYSB will be accepting donations until Nov. 14.
Many more gatherings are being planned for the future, which we post on LymeLine.com.
If you have any questions, email [email protected]