New London — The New London Community Meal Center will host a brunch at 11 a.m. Sept. 29 to honor its past leaders, including Laurie Bellinger, Lucille Smith and Milton Cook Jr., the recently deceased longtime president of the Board of Directors.

The brunch, which will take place at the meal center at 12 Montauk Ave., will include a dedication in honor of Cook and a presentation of images of the founding leaders. Those planning to attend the event should RSVP to Mary Daugherty at (860) 442-5542 or send an email to: marhdoherty@att.net.

John Kamishlian of Waterford, who became board president in July, said the meal center is in need of financial contributions and volunteers. Non-perishable foods can be brought to the meal center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Items the center needs most include canned vegetables, canned tomatoes and tomato sauce, canned chili, canned beans, pasta, egg noodles, canned tuna and deviled ham.

Those interested in volunteering can call Judy Mann at (860) 536-4784.

For information, call the meal center at (860) 444-7745, send an email to: newlondoncommunitymealcenter@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/NewLondonCommunityMealCenter.