A spirit of giving and gratitude filled the air Tuesday (Nov. 25) at the dedication of the Kathleen C.B. Samela Memorial Food Bank at Christ Episcopal Church in Ansonia.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Ian T. Douglas, Bishop Diocesan, The Episcopal Church in Connecticut, also dedicated Debbie’s Closet, which offers donated clothing and small household items, during a ceremony in the church hall.
Parishioners gathered to remember Samela and the late Debbie Bakis, for whom the closet is named.
Douglas joined the Rev. Richard E. Beattie, priest, Christ Episcopal Church, and Liturgical Assistant Fred Jenks in the ceremony.
“I’m delighted to be here tonight,” Douglas said. “It’s such a busy time of year (but) sometimes it just seems right to acknowledge Him. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Thanksgiving.”
The food bank opened in January 2009 in memory of Samela, an active church member who died in June 2008 at age 53. She had served as a Eucharistic Minister and Senior Warden and was the driving force behind establishment of the food bank.
Samela was the first director of Area Congregations Together, Inc. and the food bank was originally part of the ACT Food Bank Network.
On July 1, 2013 the church’s food bank affiliated with the Connecticut Food Bank.
Samela’s daughter, Elizabeth Briggs of Prospect, said the expanded food pantry “is an incredible tribute” to her mother.
“It’s an amazing testament to my mom’s legacy,” she said.
Seymour resident and lifelong parishioner Jane Wright, senior warden, said Samela “had a good idea and she went with it.”
She said Bakis, who lived in Ansonia, also was a longtime church member. Debbie’s Closet features donated clothing as well as small household items.
Church officials have seen a sharp increase in need since the food bank was established.
Food bank administrator Meme Yocher said when the food bank opened in January 2009 it was serving 20 families; currently it serves 200 families each month.
Yocher said so far this year the food bank has provided 150,000 meals to needy families and individuals.
Beattie gave a homily in which he stressed the importance of teamwork in accomplishing God’s purposes.
“Cooperative efforts result in achievements far greater than in isolation,” he said.
Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti said he felt “privileged” to join church members in the rededication.
“I can’t thank you enough for what you do for those in need,” he said. “It’s easy to give at Christmastime, but people in need require help all year long.”
After the food bank dedication parishioners and guests followed the clergy upstairs to the sanctuary for a re-dedication of the renovated and relocated pulpit and lectern.
The food bank is open Tuesday through Friday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from the 1st-15th of the month, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from the 16th-30th/31st of the month, unless otherwise posted.
It is handicapped accessible. The church is at 56 S. Cliff St.
Following ‘open choice’ guidelines provided by the CT Food Bank, clients are able to select a week’s worth of nutritionally balanced food per family member or individual. Walk-ins are welcomed; no one is ever turned away.
