Support the Soupman is a non-profit organization started by Peter Kelleher (aka “the Soupman”), in memory of his son, Travis who lost his battle with addiction in 2016. The mission of the Soupman is to relieve the pain and suffering endured by the homeless.
Every Saturday, the Soupman delivers clothing, toiletries, blankets, hand warmers, hot soup, and bagged lunches to homeless populations in Brockton, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and throughout the region. The Support the Soupman organization has even secured a portable shower unit and offers the homeless the opportunity for a hot shower.
When Marketing Director, Leigh Sullivan-Fontneau was introduced to the Soupman through her volunteer efforts with the Greater Bridgewater Women of Today, she knew her co-workers at McSweeney & Ricci Insurance would want to help.
The Lunch Program
A sign-up sheet was circulated and McSweeney & Ricci employees began their efforts to help with the Soupman’s Lunch Program. First, paper lunch bags were given out and employees took them home and decorated the bags with inspirational messages with their children. Next, employees donated everything on the list to prepare the bagged lunches:
- A salty snack such as pretzels, chips, or crackers
- A sweet snack such as granola bars, rice crispy treats, or package of cookies
- A piece of fruit: Bananas, grapes, clementines
- Bottled Water
- A bag of assorted candy
McSweeney’s Executive Board, purchased the lettuce, ham, turkey, two different types of cheeses, bulkie rolls, and hearty sliced bread and on Friday, November 15th employees gathered in assembly-line fashion to build the sandwiches and put together the lunches. 96 bagged lunches were put together and packed for delivery to the Soupman.
General Services Administrator, Adriana Hamlin, was a rock star assembling a staggering amount of sandwiches in record-time along with co-worker Pia Ghose and said of the event, “I really enjoyed helping! What a great way for all of us to get into the true spirit of the holidays and give back!” Vice President of Personal Lines, Jessica Supitkowsky said, “I loved that I was able to bring home the bags to decorate with my daughters. I want to teach them the importance of “Paying it Forward” whenever possible. Helping assemble the lunches with my co-workers was also a great experience!”
Peter Kelleher and Soupman Program Coordinator, Kim Chermesino are truly exceptional people and McSweeney & Ricci was so happy to be able to help Support the Soupman!
Making a positive impact on the communities surrounding our offices is part of the culture at McSweeney & Ricci. To learn more about the different organizations we support, visit the community involvement page of our website.
How Can You Get Involved?
For everything from corporate sponsorships, to food and clothing donations, the Support the Soupman organization is always looking for volunteers. For more information on ways you can help, visit their website or their Facebook page.
