End the Growling 2019

END THE GROWLING,  2019

On the morning of Saturday, April 27, 2019 this year’s edition of End the Growling food packing extravaganza  was held at Peoples United Methodist Church’s Ellis Hall. Taking part this year were teams from Peoples, Thornton Heights United Methodist and the local chapter of the Oddfellows. Packing is the culmination of weeks of collecting donations that all would go to the purchase of the dry ingredients. This was the 6^th year of this event in South Portland and the fourth that was held at Peoples.

Ready for packing

Thornton Heights

At 9 AM on the morning of the packing many of Peoples people were present to set up tables and prepare for the packing apparatus. Matt Martin, from Outreach Inc., a former pastor, arrived with the Outreach truck shortly after setting up tables and a number of men and women helped unpack and set-up the team tables and by 10 AM everything was ready to go. Pastor Ami led us all in prayer and all the tables personnel were ready to each take a scoop or bags, or sealers and go to work. Rosemary was in the kitchen getting out cookies and coffee most of which were not indulged in until the packing was over just before 12 Noon. 


 We thank Pastor Ami, Art and Cori for getting this year’s packing and donation going and carrying it out. We have missed Cori’s direction and presence in the packing. We also thank the folks at Outreach Inc. for their dedication to the Lord and to those in need. Thank you Matt in finding a bit of time for us in your all too busy schedule.

Thornton Heights

Oddfellows and Thornton Heights

Thornton Heights with Pastor Ami

Placing stickers on packets

Preparation for each packing event begins long before the event takes place with donations and offerings held throughout the Lenten season at each of the churches in the Casco Bay Cluster. In addition to Thornton Heights and Peoples contributions and offerings are also collected at Cape Elizabeth and West Scarborough. No packing teams from Cape Elizabeth and West Scarborough were available this year.

Tuesday Morning

Oddfellows with Bonnie Farrand

Each of the team members is asked to be responsible for $45 in donations and each team of 10 would then be responsible for at least $450 in contributions. While the numbers of teams was down this year the overall collection and financial donations was very good. The amount donated from Peoples was $1681.00 and while it doesn’t count toward a church amount the collection on the Lenten service at Peoples was $122.00. The amount of donations was $400.00 more than Peoples was able to gather last year.

Peoples Packers

Hunger Stoppers

Peoples Packers

The packages of dry food this year included a packet of seasoning, a packet of cheese, rice, vegetables and soy. Each packet mixed with water would make a family meal. In total 15, 556 packets were boxed in 75 cases and prepared to be picked up or taken to area food cupboards or pantries in the area.

Reloading for the next packing

Matt Martin from Outreach /Happy Trails

After the packing

Are you who have served this year, packed and donated time and money ready to do it again next year? If you missed some of the fun of serving others this year I hope you will be ready next year. If you are willing to serve on a team to prepare for next year let anyone who has been on it this year or before no of you interest.