We received the following information from Lowell’s Open Table.
It is hard to believe that Lowell’s Open Table is moving into its eighth year in 2024! So much has happened in the past few years that we want to share it with you. Without you, our donors and good people who grace our tables, Open Table would not be able to continue serving a free sit-down dinner to the Lowell community each week.
In May, Open Table was thrilled to return to in person dining after a challenging two years of Covid 19. During the pandemic, we were able to reorganize and serve take-out meals. We are thankful for the volunteers who made this happen. We provided nearly 150 meals every week.
Thanksgiving 2021 looked different as volunteers who normally prepare and serve a traditional buffet dinner, prepared and packaged the same classic dinner for drive up service. The food was the same but the chance to share it as a community was missed. Thankfully, we were able to gather in person last year and came together for a wonderful Thanksgiving once again this year.
The Open Table kitchen has had some exciting changes that have helped to keep the program thriving. Through fundraisers like the pig roast last summer and grants from The Lowell Foundation as well as Lowell Light and Power, we were able to purchase new commercial double ovens, a “new to us” eight burner stove with two ovens and much needed take out boxes for our drive through service.
Have you wondered how we are able to afford dinner for so many people each week? As a nonprofit organization, completely run by volunteers, we fully depend on grants, fundraisers, foundation gifts and individual donations, not to mention maybe the most important thing, volunteers that provide their precious time.
We are incredibly appreciative to receive food donations from Meijer, King Milling, Herbrucks, Lighthouse, and Sage meats in Greenville, who has donated meat monthly since our early days of operation. Gifts of time have also been significant and greatly appreciated as local groups including Rotary, Girl Scouts and Lowell First Congregational Youth Group offer their time. We are fortunate to also have a loyal volunteer base of individuals. That said, we always need more volunteers!
If you are willing to help support Lowell’s Open Table, here are some ways you can do so:
- Volunteer on our webpage Lowell’s OpenTable
- Make a donation that is meaningful to you.
- Donate in memory of or in honor of a loved one or friend. (We will notify the family or individual of your gift)
- Donate $200-The approximate cost for a weekly meal.
- Spread the word about Lowell’s Open Table.
- Join us for a free dinner Thursdays 5-6:30
Donations can be sent to Lowell’s Open Table, 865 Lincoln Lake Ave. Lowell, MI 49331
With warm regards and sincere thanks,
Lowell’s Open Table Board of Directors
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