NEWPORT, Vt. (WCAX) – Newport, like so many communities in Vermont, has a hunger to serve its citizens.
At the United Church in town, one man takes to heart the banner out front reading “Be Kinder Than Necessary.” Merle Chilcott has been running the food shelf at the church for close to 30 years.
Reporter Joe Carroll: No pay?
Merle Chilcott: No, only the gratification.
His work helps to fill the stomachs of people like Paul Laplume.
“It really helps,” Laplume said.
As the saying goes, it takes a village. Merle has 20 other volunteers, but he’s their guiding light.
The 95-year-old manages the meals and bags full of food to last folks for days.
Most of the items come from the Vermont Foodbank, but cash donations and grants allow Merle to purchase even more.
“And they’re really gratified that we are able to do it, yeah,” Merle said.
Robert Butler helps deliver food to “shut-ins.” He’s also a recipient.
“It’s the right way to go,” Butler said. “It’s what the lord told us to do.”
Amen to that says Minister Peter Hammond who joined the church three years ago.
Joe Carroll: Did you have any idea how big it was?
Minister Peter Hammond: I had no idea. I had no idea how big it was. And I’m learning about it.
But the minister is also concerned about what will happen when Merle can no longer run the operation.
“I think we really need to be looking to find a way of moving ahead with Merle and support and help him,” Hammond said.
“One time up, the church secretary said, ‘What are we going to do if you get hit by a truck?’ And I said, ‘Well, maybe I better make a write-up,’” Merle said.
Food for thought, but Merle still puts in 20 hours a week organizing the twice-a-month event. He’s so dedicated that he and his late wife, Joy, were honored by the church. It’s now named the Chilcott Food Shelf.
Joe Carroll: Do we all need a little purpose in life to keep us going?
Merle Chilcott: I think so. Even you, right?!
“He really is the glue that keeps this food shelf running,” Hammond said.
Making sure it’s not the “Last Supper” for folks in the community in need.
“Thanks for coming!” Merle called out to a customer.
