Preparing a Meal for Safe Harbor

Good morning!  Before I head out the door to do a speedy workout with Jesse, I am anxious to tell you about my experience at Safe Harbor of Easton.  Safe Harbor is a homeless shelter and drop-in center located in the downtown part of the city.  Last year alone they provided 10,487 nights of shelter to 346 men and women, and they served 46,343 meals to 601 individuals in need.

Every year, my grade level (teachers and students) participates in a fundraiser to help the community.  This year we chose Safe Harbor because at one point, they were in danger of shutting down.  We asked the kids to donate spare change, as well as spaghetti, sauce, coffee, and sugar.  Some of the students took it upon themselves to hold bake sales.  Others asked their parents or relatives for donations in exchange for carrying out chores or duties around the house.  Overall, we raised over $400 and gathered a truckload of supplies.  

The children helped us pack the truck and after school, the teachers were off to make an authentic Italian meal. 

We made a quick stop at the grocery store to purchase ten loaves of bread, three extra-large bags of frozen meatballs, and ten bottles of soda.  

An interesting variety of supplies in the cart...

Once we arrived, we started to unpack the cars.  I immediately felt compelled to survey my workspace and check out the kitchen.   Right away we got the salted water in huge pots and set them to boil.

We also started the meatballs and sauce.  As you can tell…A LOT of sauce was used…

The loaves of bread were in need of preparation to make garlic bread.  Ten loaves + 1 large tub of margarine + garlic salt and powder = divine.  We toasted them in their ovens and they came out gooey, toasty, and warm!

In between all of the cooking, we had some time to have a little fun and take some photos.  

Katie and I pose in front of the HUGE pot of pasta.

Ok...so maybe we were having too much fun!!  Check out Beth in the background!

Givon and I are making sure the sauce is just right.

As is Shawn...

Here we are...the fourth grade team!

The final product...spaghetti and meatballs with a side of garlic bread. 

For dessert, a large sheet cake was purchased for all to enjoy.  

After our time at Safe Harbor, we all agreed that the experience was wonderful and uplifting.  It was also decided that we will be back to cook again…possibly in the fall.  We were so proud of all the students that donated money and supplies, and the people at Safe Harbor thoroughly enjoyed our visit and meal.  It was a win-win for everyone.

Ok, I'm off to do some 300's at the track...an official miler's workout.  

Have a great Sunday!

Tracy