Covering a service area of 200 square miles, this year Community Servings will prepare and deliver over 377,000 free meals to people homebound with life-threatening illnesses like HIV/AIDS, cancer and kidney disease. From volunteering in our kitchen ... to preparing a holiday gift basket for a client ... to setting up a monthly donation, there are many ways you can help us continue to deliver meals and hope -- on Thanksgiving and every day of the year.

In these shaky economic times, meals from Community Servings are a reassuring constant in our sick neighbors' lives -- so your support is more important and meaningful than ever before!

SHARE YOUR TIME

Volunteer in Our Kitchen or Office: Volunteers are a crucial part of the Community Servings' team, working in the kitchen to prepare and package meals, riding on our delivery vans, and lending a hand with administrative tasks in the office. To learn how you can help, visit the volunteer section of our web site or contact Rebecca Ober, Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator, at rober@servings.org or 617-522-7777 x228.

Prepare or Deliver a Holiday Basket: Most of our clients -- 90% -- live below the poverty level, which makes it hard to look forward to the holidays with much joy or excitement. But volunteers who purchase the contents of and assemble gift baskets spread holiday cheer to our homebound clients and their families. If you would like to shop for a family or individual or help with holiday basket delivery, please contact Rosario Dominguez, Director of Programs, at rdominguez@servings.org or 617-522-7777 x220.

Deliver Thanksgiving and Holiday Meals: The holidays just aren't the same without feasts with all the trimmings. Consider starting a tradition with your family or friends by helping Community Servings package and deliver hearty and comforting holiday meals on Wednesday, November 26, and Wednesday, December 24. Thanks to you, our clients won't be forgotten on what can be the lonliest days of the year for them. To sign up, contact Rebecca Ober at rober@servings.org or 617-522-7777 x228.

ATTEND ONE OF COMMUNINTY SERVINGS' RENOWNED SPECIAL EVENTS

Be a LifeSavor: For 16 years, LifeSavor has brought people together -- close to a thousand guests a year -- in support of our mission. And what a sight it is to behold! The evening begins with a cocktail party and lavish silent auction at the Langham, Boston, and continues when guests are chauffeured by trolley to one of Greater Boston's 50 top restaurants for specially prepared dinners for 10. After dinner, trollies return guests to the Langham, Boston for an After Party featuring selections from Cafe Flueri's famous Chocolate Bar. LifeSavor 2009 takes place on Thursday, March 26. If you would like information on buying a table or tickets, please contact Alison Hunt, Special Events Coordinator, at ahunt@servings.org or 617-522-7777 x235.

Check Our Calendar: In addition to LifeSavor, Community Servings hosts and benefits from a range of smaller, equally fun special events throughout the year that feature good food and drink, great music, and more. For the latest event information, take a look at our calendar. Click here!

MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION

Become A Monthly Meal Maker: Monthly Meal Makers are a dedicated group of donors who help Community Servings achieve its mission by contributing a set amount each month, charged to a debit or credit card. Monthly Meal Makers provide Community Servings with the steady, reliable support we so urgently need as we strive to serve more people. By reducing the number of fundraising mailings we send, these donors also help Community Servings save on administrative costs. It takes just a few minutes to get started, and you can rest assured that we keep your information secure. To be a part of this program, please contact Jessica Welch, Development and Communications Manager, at jwelch@servings.org or 617-522-7777 x232.

Become a Sponsor or Donor: Is your company looking for a charitable organization to develop a partnership with? Are you looking for a meaningful way to pay tribute to someone special in your life? Is membership in the Chef's Table -- our leadership giving program -- something that you can consider? Community Servings is able to provide meals to 725 people every day through the support we receive from the larger community -- corporations, foundations, and individuals. If you'd like to explore ways we can work together, please contact Tim Leahy, Director of Development and Communications, at tleahy@servings.org or 617-522-7777 x230.