To the Editor:

Having been a victim of the Griggs Farm fire on 12/27/2017, I want to express my sincerest, heartfelt thanks to the wonderful people of Princeton for their help and support. You never know what life will throw at you and everyone can experience terrible tragedy like a fire or flood. Typically, insurance companies reimburse you for your loss, but I was uninsured and have no savings. I am still facing the enormous task of rebuilding my life.

I just want to say how grateful I am that the municipality of Princeton offers assistance for people like me who are in need by providing food resources through programs like Arm In Arm, Cornerstone Community Kitchen, and the First Baptist Church of Princeton.

I want to express my personal thanks to people who are part of Cornerstone working through Princeton United Methodist Church on Vandeventer Avenue. I know others who have experienced a tragedy and feel the same way and are grateful for this community “safety net” and would be much worse off without it.

I especially want to thank the founder and CEO of Cornerstone Larry Apperson, clothing store manager Judith Miller, assistant manager Jeanette Timmons, dining room leaders Rick Kelly and Ramesh Jayaram, piano player Yvonne Macdonald, and all the other volunteers who have given their time and continued support to people who are in need.

Cornerstone offers a free, nutritious full sit-down meal in a friendly atmosphere: the tables are covered with white tablecloths, each table has a seasonal centerpiece, and the soothing sound of live piano music is playing discretely in the background.

Many of the organizations, local agencies, farmers, schools, and stores in the Princeton area contribute to Cornerstone and their donations of food and produce are gratefully welcomed. Donations of clothing and household goods are also received from throughout the community and all donated items are distributed without cost to us.

I am grateful to Cornerstone people for their amazing support!

May God Bless all the people of Princeton!

MARINA AHUNBABAEVA

Formerly of Billie Ellis Lane