The Covenant Food Kitchen in Willimantic is calling on the community for support after a Thanksgiving nightmare left them with thousands of pounds of spoiled food.
The kitchen, which serves as a crucial resource for those battling food insecurity in the area, reported a significant setback when their refrigerator broke down on Thursday night.
As a result, they lost essential food supplies, including dairy, meat, and fresh produce, that had been donated ahead of the holiday.
"All of our Thanksgiving leftovers, everything we bought for Christmas, all the meat, milk, cheese, and produce had to be thrown out. We salvaged what we could, but we filled a couple of dumpsters," said Kimberly Clark, Executive Director of the Covenant Soup Kitchen.
The loss has been devastating as much of the food that had to be discarded were vital donations received just before Thanksgiving. These items were intended to help meet the growing need for food assistance during the holiday season.
"A lot of these people need something to eat because they're in tents because they're cold. When you don't eat your insides are cold right? You need something to warm the shackles of your heart," shared Joanne Millette, a volunteer and guest at the kitchen.
In an effort to recover and continue serving the community, the Covenant Food Kitchen is asking for financial donations to help replace the broken refrigerator. While the pantry currently has limited cold storage capacity they are encouraging the public to donate again once they have necessary equipment.
Local businesses have stepped up to support the kitchen with nearly two dozen businesses in Willimantic and surrounding towns rallying to raise funds and food donations.
"There's 19 businesses with 21 locations and we're going to push it a little further to help the soup kitchen recover," said Jeff LeBlanc president of NAPA Willimantic Auto & Truck Supply who launched a fundraising campaign seven years ago for both Covenant Food Kitchen and Make-A-Wish expanding this year's efforts.
Last year campaign raised more than $25 000 for local causes as well as thousands pounds worth foods; this year needs even greater Scott Miller owner Miller Brothers Self Storage emphasized every bit helps: "Even if it's dollar dollar will help."