MEXICO — The Good Samaritan Missionary Services received a much-need boost to its mission of feeding those in need in the River Valley with a $5,000 donation.

Sister Bernadette Gautreau and St. Chretienne Educational Institute of Franklin, Massachusetts, made the donation May 14 to the nonprofit, located at 33 Roxbury Road.

Gautreau is a member of the Sisters of Ste. Chrétienne, an order she came to know when she was growing up in the town of Mexico and had them as teachers.

“It is with a full heart that I wish to thank Sister Bernadette Gautreau and St. Chretienne Educational Institute for your $5,000 donation to help feed our community,” said Michelle Robinson Williams, founder of Good Samaritan Missionary Services.

Combining her love for feeding others and fellowship, Williams’ food pantry provides hot, home-cooked meals and a place to sit and eat them.

“Food is a necessity not a luxury,” Williams said. “We just want to feed the homeless and anyone who is struggling. The number of homeless people in the Rumford and Mexico area has jumped from six to 36 since the previous soup kitchen operated out of Mexico Town Hall closed last summer.”

The Good Samaritan board includes Williams, president; Barbara C. Arsenault, treasurer; alternate Raquel Welch-Day; kitchen assistants Judy Sanborn and Kim White; and secretary Kathy Touchette.

Williams said the building’s first floor and roof were recently redone, making way for the soup kitchen and Dot’s Attic, which helps provide personal necessities to those who need them.

“We are extremely happy and thankful to those who have supported us in the past and look forward to more community engagement in the future,” she said.

Williams offered a special thanks to Julie Steward and her family, who recently donated.

Good Samaritan is raising money for the food budget so the soup kitchen can be open more days. Starting June 19, Williams said the kitchen will be open three days a week — Monday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., shortening the hours by 30 minutes.

“In a time when the need has grown so significantly, having a reliable, welcoming space where individuals and families can access a hot meal and a seat at the table is not just appreciated, it is essential,” said Welch-Day, Mexico’s town manager. “Food insecurity is real in our communities, and efforts like this ensure that no one has to face it alone.”

The Good Samaritan Missionary Services Soup Kitchen also hosts a Community Vendor Fair that will be held June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12 and Oct. 10.

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