First, Sarah messaged me late Friday night: “They (The Army Of Good) are back; thank you, everyone!”  When our politics got even crazier, donations slowed to a trickle, then to a squeak.

I can’t blame anyone for that.

But yesterday, they came back roaring. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your past and future support.

First:

(An elderly woman is asking for denture adhesive cream, a serious and growing problem for Pantry patrons. They were too embarrassed to ask until you showed up to give them a dose of hope. Your immediate action in ordering the denture grip cream from the Wish List is crucial and can make a huge difference. We need your help now more than ever.)

Despite the challenges, I won’t let our sad and troubling political chaos and cruelty interfere with our excellent work. The worse they get, the better we will get. That is my path to peace, calm, and perspective. Our cause is strong and resilient, and we will continue to make a difference.

The more hate there is, the more good there is, our motto. The Cambridge Food Pantry is a great place to start a Compassion Revolution, and our resilience and unity in the face of challenges is something we can all be proud of.

Today, a first. One of the pantry patrons first asked Sarah to ask me to ask you for help in getting polygraph denture adhesive cream. This is one of those things that is well beneath what the patrons can afford to buy or that most food banks can afford to stock.

Sarah said the request was urgent: “Quite a few of our patrons have dentures. It would be beneficial to folks.” She said the woman who requested it had never asked for any other item, so it was on her mind as unaffordable.”

Sarah said this never dawned on her; she was focused on getting toothpaste, which is also an urgent need. Sarah is low-key in her requests. When she says “accommodating,” I know now it means “very urgent.”

We can help with that, was my response.

I’m sending one  4-pack right after this message; I hope you can send one also. The need is urgent, and I would appreciate your help. She isn’t the only one who needs one. If they don’t disappear quickly, they will be saved, used, and stockpiled.

This is something that can always be used. The pantry visitors often have serious dental and gun problems, and there needs to be more help for dentistry or dental supplies other than toothpaste. I’m happy to help. Please feel free to jump in if you can and wish.

Otherwise, here are the items requested today

Super Poligrip Zinc Free Denture and Partials Adhesive Cream,2.4 Ounce (Pack of 4m $16.94,

Seattle’s Best Coffee 6th Avenue Bistro Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 12 Ounce Bags (Pack of 3), $16.47.

Stash Tea Black Tea Variety Pack Sampler Assortment – Caffeinated, Non-Gmo Project Verified Premium Tea, 18-20 Count (Pack of 6), $16.49

 

 

I felt great pride seeing our Women’s Day campaign fill the women’s shelves with pads, tampons, body wash, and lotions. Thank you so much. There aren’t words.