When a sudden flash of lightning struck a shed on a quiet Woonsocket street Thursday night, the blaze quickly engulfed the structure that housed years of donations for New Beginnings, a local nonprofit that provides free meals to anyone in need. Founder Jeanne Michon heard the “really, really big bang” and rushed outside with her daughter, only to see flames licking the roof and nearby trees.
Loss of treasured items
Michon captured the moment on video, showing the fire’s rapid spread. Inside the shed were bicycles, train sets destined for the kitchen’s children’s program, clothing for her daughter returning from college, her husband’s golf clubs, and a toolbox she bought for their first anniversary in 1990. All of these personal and community‑focused items were lost in the inferno.
Four decades of service
For 40 years, Michon has volunteered to cook free meals for the Woonsocket community, a commitment that eventually led her to establish New Beginnings. The kitchen has served more than 139,000 meals, feeding anyone who walks through its doors without asking questions. “We feed anybody who comes to the door, we don’t ask any questions,” Michon said. “If we don’t have it, we can find it, we will find somebody who has it.”
Community response
In the wake of the fire, neighbors, coworkers, and local businesses have mobilized to help Michon rebuild. coworker John Levreault described the fundraiser as the least they could do for someone who works 118 hours a week, earns minimum wage, and still gives “110 percent” to the community. “Right away I thought, ‘We’ve got to do something for this lady,’ because she’s given to the community every day for the past 40 years,” he said.
Donations are being collected both online and at several drop‑off points around town. Contributors are encouraged to give items that the shed once stored—bicycles, tools, sports equipment, and clothing—as well as monetary gifts to replace what was lost.
Michon’s gratitude
Despite the setback, Michon remains hopeful. “It’s very humbling to know I have that much support for my family and what we do for the city of Woonsocket and Northern Rhode Island,” she said. She emphasized that she does not want anyone to feel obligated to give, but assures that the community will find a way to make a way.
Earlier this year, Michon spoke with NBC 10 News about her inspiration for starting New Beginnings and her lifelong dedication to service. The recent fire underscores the deep ties she has forged in the area and the collective resolve of Woonsocket residents to stand by one of their most steadfast volunteers.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
