Blazing into the New Year

As the holiday "season of giving" comes to a close, that doesn't mean the struggle of those in need of fuel and food ends as well. This week we were hit with out first major snow storm of the year, winter is just beginning. January and February are some of the coldest months of the year and the work of (H)EAT is continues.

So far we have tabled at some great events community events and started delivering oil to local community members through the help of our oil partners; Lamprey Brothers and DF Richard Energy, but there is so much more to do, so many more people to help.

As we enter into the new year we are looking forward to working with more community members and businesses to raise awareness and funds for (H)EAT. If you have a great idea or looking to help out?, email food@seacoastlocal.org.

And here's to a warm, healthy, and happy New Year for everyone on the Seacoast!

Upcoming Events

This Saturday, December 18th, join us at The Pressroom (77 Daniels St), 9pm, for the Jumbo Circus Peanuts holiday gala benefit for (H)EAT! Be ready boogie the night away and create your own (H)EAT.

Be sure to come back to the Press Room this Tuesday, December 21st, 5:30pm, for the Larry Garland Jazz Jam.

Also.... Slacking on your Christmas Cards this year? RiverRun and SecondRun Bookstore are now selling special edition (H)EAT Holiday Cards. A bundle of ten is only $20. Such a steal! And all proceeds go to (H)EAT.

And keep an eye out for stores selling the mysterious (H) pins. $1 buys you a pin and an eternity of coolness in the name of (H)EAT.

And last but, not least, check out this food for thought:

"Shaheen asks for heating assistance for NH", CONCORD, N.H.—New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is urging the federal government to prevent deep cuts in heating assistance to residents of the state, writes the Associated Press for boston.com.

Gather Your Canned Goods

Many thanks to Me & Ollies of Exeter for hosting a (H)EAT table last Thursday at Exeter's annual Holiday Open House and Festival of Trees. The downtown looked spectacular, we got to spread the (H)EAT word and see Santa! All in all it was a great night.

We have some great local businesses hosting food donation boxes. Runner's Alley in downtown Portsmouth is moving their feet for (H)EAT with their Winter Warrior program. Group runners get points for bringing in canned goods with them when they come for their weekly runs. The program goes until Mid March and points can then be traded in for gear. Runner's Alley has generously offered to donate all canned goods to area food pantries for (H)EAT. Whether you are braving the cold for a group run or just stopping in to Runner's Alley for some shopping be sure to bring along a canned good for a great cause.

SecondRun Bookstore, in downtown Portsmouth, is also hosting a food donation box. So the next time you're looking for a book to cozy up by the fire think of (H)EAT and swing by SecondRun with a can.

We are busy working on putting together some more great community events for (H)EAT. Have a great idea or looking to help out? Just email food@seacoastlocal.org. Our next volunteer meeting will be Me & Ollies, Market Square, Portsmouth at 5pm. See you then!

December is Here!

As the temperature is dropping the (H)EAT campaign is afire!

Tomorrow, Thursday, December 2nd, we will be attending Exeter's annual Holiday Open House and Festival of Trees in honor of all of our Exeter members and their awesome downtown. This is a great event which runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., spotlights Exeter's local businesses and kicks off the holiday season. Make sure to stop by our table at Me & Ollies for some great (H)EAT swag, we have some great stocking stuffers!, and to find out more information on how YOU can help.

Happy December everyone!

LET H(EAT) BEGIN!

Tis the season for H(EAT)!

Starting this week be on the look out for all things H(EAT) including donation canisters on local business counters, posters, swag, and our presence and some great community events!

Tomorrow, Thursday the 17th, there is a volunteer meeting at Me & Ollies, Market Square, Portsmouth, NH at 5pm. All are welcome so come see how you can help out!

Read All About It....!

Portsmouth food pantry in crisis: As busy month nears, charity is even out of beans: Diane Giese said she can't remember the last time the cupboards at the Seacoast Family Food Pantry were devoid of basics like beans, pasta and cans of tuna. A simple walk through the organization's storage rooms these days shows the community cares, but suggests it's also struggling, writes Charles McMahon for SeacoastOnline.

Although this article was written in July, it is still pertinent and, as winter approaches, now more than ever is the time to come together to help and support our community.

(H)EAT CAMPAIGN 2010-2011

Annnnd we’re back!

After a wildly successful last year filled with yoga, feasts, food drives, music, and tales to raise money for food and oil to provide to those in need we are excited start out this season with a goal of raising enough donations to fund 10,000 meals and 10,000 gallons.

We are also thrilled to announce our new campaign partners: Art- Speak and the Porstmouth Middle School Art Program (H)ART project. Working with Art- Speak, the City of Portsmouth’s Cultural Commission, Portsmouth Middle School art students will learn and explore the Seacoast’s own need for food and fuel and then develop a visual campaign that both educates and engages the public on this local need, while co-producing a launch event for the (H)EAT campaign.

(H)EAT is a community driven campaign with the purpose of not only raising money to fund programs and individuals who help provide heating fuel and food assistance for neighbors, but also, emphasizing the role that local independent businesses play in providing charitable giving.

The Campaign runs between Thanksgiving and March 1st, and is made possible by volunteers. So we need your help!

If you are interested in volunteering you can reach us at info@heat-eat.org.