Sandwich Food Pantry Newsletter Fall 2007

Fall 2007

From the Board

Gigi, our fearless Leader and Director of the Food Pantry has graciously allowed me to write this edition’s column of “the Directors Desk”. I am Arleen Mark, President of the Board of Directors for the Sandwich Food Pantry. Doesn’t that sound important? Well, in all honesty, it is no more important than any other position on the Board or all of our wonderful volunteers, for that matter. We have a great Board of Directors who each week, and then some, volunteer their time, effort and talent to running this successful Pantry. I have been with the Food Pantry for three (+) years now and am still amazed at the daily workings. The old saying “it takes a village to raise a child”, well it does take a village to run the Pantry. Part of that “village” is our community. Your donations of both food and money is what keeps us in business and able to serve more and more clients each year. It is sad to say, but our numbers keep growing each year. We all know that with the rising cost of oil, gas, electricity, etc., it is hard for everyone to give more and more. So many organizations are asking you for help. Let me tell you why the Sandwich Food Pantry is a great choice. It is with overwhelming pride that I tell you 100% of all our donations are used to run the Pantry. Your monetary donations are used to buy food that we cannot purchase from the Boston Food Bank. Your donations of non-perishable food items go directly to our clients. There is no waste. Our penny-pinching Treasurer, Laurie Ray, sees to that.

I ask all of you to continue to support the Sandwich Food Pantry. This is the time of year when we ask for specific donations for our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. This newsletter contains two lists; one for our Holiday meals and one for our regular weekly meals. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Pantry at 508-888-3816.

We appreciate and thank you for your continued support.

Thanks and Praise

A belated thanks to the Postal Workers of Sandwich, who organized a gigantic food drive for us in May. We were very grateful for all the food donations from the residents of Sandwich and for the efforts of the Postal Workers. Many thanks to Fran Dockham, who along with members of the American Legion, led the unloading and stocking of all the food donations. Thanks, also to Disaster Specialists, who lent us their trucks to transfer all the donations.

Welcome new Board Member

We welcome our newest Board Member, Kathleen Ahearn to our Board of Directors. Kathy has worked at the Pantry now for a couple of years during our Wednesday night opening. Kathy is a great asset to the Board and has jumped right into the position. Welcome!!!

Wish List

We are always in need of the following products as we cannot purchase these from the Boston Food Bank and must purchase these on our own.

Dish Soap,

Bar Soap,

Toilet Paper

Laundry Soap (Liquid, large size preferable)

Cereal (preferably corn flakes, cheerios, etc.)

Jell-O

Canned Fruit

Sharing/Caring/Giving

"The Sandwich Stitchers have come through again. They have managed to produce another blue and white ocean quilt. This time, America's Racing Cup Sailboats are featured. White sails in different styles, on different colored vessels sail through water-colored background blocks. Should be a winner!"

Thanksgiving/Christmas

The Holidays are once again rapidly approaching. We are already busy planning at the Sandwich Food Pantry to ensure that all our Clients receive a Holiday meal. Donations for Thanksgiving can be dropped off at the Pantry from now ^to November 13th from 10:00 - 12:30. On November 13^th, we will remain open until 2:00 to receive donations. We are expecting to pack approximately 130 Thanksgiving Baskets this year. Thanksgiving Baskets will be handed out on November 14^th. Donations may also be dropped off at both the Stop and Shop stores in Sandwich. Turkeys will be our most needed item. All weights will be accepted as we have both large and small families in need. Other items in need are Stuffing Mix, Boxed Mashed Potatoes, Cake mix, Quick Bread (especially Pumpkin and Cranberry) and Pie Crust mixes.

Christmas donations may be made beginning on November 28^th through December 12^th. Christmas items in need are 2 and 3 pound hams, canned yams, canned string beans, cake mixes, and quick bread mixes.

Suggested Donations

Cereal

Dry Milk

Jelly

Peanut Butter

Spaghetti

Spaghetti Sauce

Macaroni & Cheese

Rice

Tuna

Jell-O

Soup

Canned Vegetables

Juice

Bar Soap

Laundry Detergent

Dish Detergent

Toilet Paper