Let’s Fill The Hall (Twice)
No child should dread summer vacation because they are unsure where their next meal is coming from. Now more than ever, those most vulnerable in our community need our help! On June 27 from 9am – 3pm, we’ll be accepting donations of food and other nonperishable items at the Historic Theater (at least that’s the plan as of right now) at our annual Fill The Hall event. Volunteers will be assisting with curbside drop-off, but the real magic – as always – happens inside the theater.
This is our sixth year partnering with the good folks at Gather who have been providing emergency food aid to the Seacoast region for over 200 years. Their mission has never been more important than right now. More than 600 children throughout the Seacoast from Rochester to Seabrook participate in the Meals 4 Kids (M4K) each week throughout the summer. M4K participation rates are twice the national average for children’s hunger-relief programs, and we expect participation rates to grow this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the greatest sights is a bustling theater with dozens of volunteers lining the rows with bags of food and kiddos peeking out behind a fort of banana boxes for a much-deserved break. It’s the groups representing schools, businesses, neighborhoods, and organizations taking time out of their weekend to help their community. The familiar faces of families who return year after year to help out, cementing the need and belief in this annual food drive.
We’re challenging ourselves and you, our fellow community members, to fill The Music Hall twice with donations of food. Bring a bag (or two!) of nonperishables and drop it on a seat in the theater. Don’t forget to snap a pic of your contribution! If you don’t have time to raid the pantry or run to the store, you can donate right inside the lobby; the money will go directly to Gather to get the things they need. If you can’t make it, you can donate from the comfort of your home. If you don’t want to wait until June, you can donate now at GatherNH.org and tag your donation Fill the Hall 2020.
A special shout out to Service Credit Union for underwriting Fill the Hall this year. Their support is essential to making sure that all food and monies collected go to the people who need it and that the event continues to be a success.
Needed Items Include:
Canned Diced Tomatoes
Canned Black Beans
Canned Kidney Beans
Squeeze Jelly (low sugar)
Peanut Butter (16-18oz)
Snacks: Granola Bars, Peanut Butter Crackers, 6-pack Raisins, Fruit Snacks
Condiments: Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup
Pancake Mix (32oz box)
Cereal
Oatmeal
Canned Tuna
Personal Care: Toilet Paper, Shampoo, Oral Care, Bar Soap, Dish Soap
Juice Boxes (100% Juice)
Gluten-free items
Shelf Stable Milk & Milk Alternatives