Celebrating 40 Years: The Heart of Our Shoreline Community

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Community Dining Room, we reflect on four decades of serving our neighbors with warmth, compassion, and nourishment. What started as a simple initiative to provide meals to those in need has grown into a vital community resource, offering not just food but hope, support, and a sense of belonging to thousands of individuals each year.

Last year alone, we served over 50,000 meals to 2,500 individuals. These meals represent more than just sustenance; they provide comfort and stability for those facing food insecurity. At the Community Dining Room, we create a safe and welcoming space where people can share a warm meal with their peers, connect with resources, and find a supportive community that cares.

 

Expanding Our Services to Meet Growing Needs

As the demand for our services continues to rise, we are launching a capital campaign to raise $80,000 this year. These funds will allow us to expand our reach, enhance our services, and continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. One major milestone in this expansion is the arrival of our new van this spring, which will help us pick up procurements more efficiently.

We cannot do this alone. The success of the Community Dining Room has always been rooted in the generosity and dedication of our supporters. There are many ways you can help:

• Volunteer: Give your time to serve meals, assist with outreach, or help in other capacities.
• Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue to provide for those in need.
• Host a Drive: Organize a food or fundraising drive in your neighborhood, workplace, or school to support our mission.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we invite you to join us in ensuring the Community Dining Room remains a beacon of hope for another 40 years. Together, we can continue to nourish bodies, uplift spirits, and strengthen our community.

 

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 40 years of serving with heart!

 

Judith Barron, MPA

Executive Director

Community Dining Room, Inc.