“The essence of America — that which really unites us — is not ethnicity, or nationality, or religion. It is an idea — and what an idea it is: that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn’t matter where you came from, but where you are going.”
– Condoleezza Rice
“In America, change is possible. It’s in our hands. Together, I know we’ll get there. Look how far we’ve already come.”
— Barack Obama
Happy Fourth! #fourthofjuly #independenceday #condoleezzarice #barackobama #chestereastside

It is with great sorrow that we mark the passing on Monday of our good friend, Lewis “Pete” Washington.

Pete was involved with Chester Eastside from our beginning – he often said CEI saved him from negative distractions. He loved this agency and his community and invested his time here.

As Assistant Manager of the Food Pantry, Pete worked six hours a week, helping to stock and label the shelves and set up and coordinate the distribution process. His booming voice was perfect for commanding everyone’s attention and his gentleness came through as he calmed the bustling activity associated with food distribution.

Pete attended college as a Music Major specializing in percussion and he often sang as he worked. He loved using his gift of drumming in worship services at the Salvation Army.

Prayer was important to Pete and he invited those, who wished to do so, to join him

each week. He always reminded the group that no one who came into the pantry was a stranger, but family! He was an important part of the Chester Eastside Inc. family and we will miss him dearly.

Bev and Chuck made the weekly run from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Wallingford.The congregation sponsors a contactless drop-off 10 a.m.-2 p.m., each Sunday, then brings all the items to Chester Eastside. This week’s total – 75.1 pounds of food and 6 pounds of toiletries/cleaning supplies. Many thanks for your ongoing support. #holytrinitywallingford #foodinseccurity #toiletries #cleaningsupplies #contactless #thanks #chestereastside

Our families registered and picked up supplies Tuesday morning for virtual Camp Phoenix, which starts tomorrow (July 1). The children are divided into three groups (K-3, 4-6 and 7-9) and the projects are designed just for their ages.
Didn’t have a chance to sign up? Stop by Thursday (July 2) from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. #summercamp #supplies #art #communitygarden #yoga #creativewriting #nature #fun #chestreastside