By Carol Britton Meyer

Wellspring Multi-Service Center continues to provide life’s essentials to those in need – from food and clothing to education and services – which is especially appreciated during the current challenging times of high inflation, soaring costs of food, gasoline, and utilities, and other uncertainties.

The social service agency also is preparing for the upcoming holiday seasons and colder winter months with food programs, fuel assistance, and supplies available in the thrift shop.

What used to be “just” a food pantry, Aunt Dot’s Kitchen, has expanded to include a certified kitchen that supplies the Wellspring food truck that visits local fairs and festivals to not only provide free food but also to get the word out about what Wellspring offers as part of its community outreach effort.

This past summer, Wellspring hosted a summer lunch program for students, “taking the food truck to Park & Rec so anyone could get a free meal free of charge,” Wellspring President and CEO Vinny Harte told The Hull Times.

Aunt Dot’s Kitchen, located at 814 Nantasket Ave., is open to residents of Hull, supplying fresh and non-perishable food and basic personal-care items to those experiencing food insecurity. Transportation is available to and from the pantry on Mondays, with food delivery available to clients’ homes on Fridays. The pantry is open on Wednesdays for walk-ins.

The thrift shop “is fully loaded, with everything donated by members of the community,” Harte said.

It’s the ideal place for clients and the general public to stock up on gently used clothing, furniture, jewelry, household and seasonal items, toys, books, art, and more, all at reasonable prices.

Selections for the holidays range from Halloween costumes to Thanksgiving and other holiday decorations, “with every dime benefitting Wellspring’s many programs,” Harte said.

“We tell people to come back in an hour if they don’t find what they’re looking for, because we get new donations every hour,” he added.

Wellspring also offers assistance with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), fuel assistance, and other applications year-round.

The adult programs, geared toward independence and self-sufficiency, help clients get back on their feet or expand their skill set in preparation for finding employment or a better job. Wellspring is also a HiSET (high school equivalency credential) testing site, with access to career guidance at the on-site Sprout Center for Jobs while working toward achieving HiSET or participating in the high school diploma program in partnership with the Hull Public Schools. Transportation to classes is available.

Coming soon are a culinary program offering suggestions for meals that can be prepared with food supplied by Aunt Dot’s Kitchen, and a chef program where members of the community can volunteer to prepare their favorite meals and specialty food items to share through the food truck.

“The overall goal is to continue preparing food in our kitchen, load it onto the truck, and take it directly to people in need,” Harte said.

Looking toward the holidays, Wellspring extends a helping hand to Hull families and seniors who are experiencing financial, health, or other challenges, including gifts and meals.

Chef Paul Wahlberg of Alma Nove restaurant in Hingham continues to provide about 120 to 150 free Thanksgiving meals. Details about these programs will be available soon.

For further information about how to take advantage of all of Wellspring’s programs, visit wellspringmultiservice.org or call 781-925-3211.