PORTLAND — Dan Walsh carefully sliced the sub roll and passed it to his right, where Deb McPhail and Jackie Curtis handled the placing of the cheese and the pouring of the marinara sauce before Carolyn Thomas added meatballs. A sandwich assembly line was underway that ultimately helped feed over 2,000 people during lunch at Preble Street Soup Kitchen on a chilly day in Portland.
All of the senior leaders at Norway Savings Bank, including the “sandwich four”, volunteered at the organization in March, helping to prepare nutritious meals and clean the kitchen at Preble Street, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people experiencing problems with hunger, housing and homelessness through a variety of programs that address urgent needs and create lasting solutions. Preble Street actually operates two soup kitchens serving over a million meals to people in need each year.
“The emergency food work and commitment of the Preble Street staff and volunteers literally meet basic needs of impoverished people. To observe them in action and lend a hand is an incredible thing to experience. We’re so thankful for what they do and grateful for the chance to assist,” said Walsh, president and CEO of NSB.
“We absolutely loved having Norway Savings Bank in the kitchen over the last two weeks,” said Elisa Fleig, volunteer program manager at Preble Street. “We truly appreciate the support. It made for a really special experience and a full circle moment for the team. They brought such great energy, curiosity, and hard work.”
During the service visits, NSB was also happy to donate $1,000 to Preble Street in recognition of the astounding difference the organization makes.
“Thank you. This is so very kind and generous,” said Mark Swann, executive director of Preble Street, about the contribution. “As Preble Street enters its 50th year of compassion in action, we’re proud of the remarkable journey and profound impact we’ve achieved together in our community.”
Preble Street depends on volunteers and financial support to continue its benevolent mission. To learn more about how you can help the cause by volunteering, donating, or otherwise taking action, visit www.preblestreet.org/you-can-help.
