|
Jennifer McInnis
Local
community organizations that provide necessary assistance to families
will be receiving their own form of relief this season through several
local drives that have developed in response to the urgent and
unprecedented demand for essentials. This year's economic climate
coupled with an especially chilly winter season has placed a great deal
of strain on organizations whose resources are already stretched thin.
From the larger February Food and Boot Drive to the smaller school and
church drives, many organizations are stepping-up-to-the-plate to
address the growing demand for essential items in these bleak economic
conditions.
The February Food and Boot Drive, developed by
Boston Cares, a volunteer service organization, in partnership with The
Boston Globe, Building Impact and the Corporate Volunteer Council of
Greater Boston, aims to raise 10,000 pounds of protein and 500 pairs of
children's boots in twenty-eight days to benefit two non-profit relief
agencies: Cradles to Crayons and the Greater Boston Food Bank.
"This
is a new drive developed specifically in response to the stories we
were hearing about skyrocketing requests for food and clothing that
agencies throughout the region were getting from people in their
communities," said Rick Wallwork, Associate Director of Boston Cares.
"Clearinghouse agencies, including Cradles to Crayons and the Greater
Boston Food Bank, were reporting greater demand than they've seen
previously, and were having difficulty keeping certain items stocked.
Canned protein and children's warm boots were two of the priorities
identified where we felt we could make a significant contribution. This
drive supports Cradles to Crayons, which ensures that the boots will go
to agencies across the state, and the Greater Boston Food Bank's Brown
Bag program, which provides supplemental food to 6,500 seniors and
families each month. There are so many grass-roots agencies serving so
many communities in Greater Boston, to reach them all would be
difficult."
While the February Food and Boot Drive primarily
supports the state-wide agencies, Cradles to Crayons and the Boston
Food Bank, many organizations in Somerville are putting together drives
to address local demands, here in Somerville. During the month of
March, Curves of Somerville will be waiving its service fee for any new
members who bring a bag of non-perishable groceries between March 2nd
and March 28th. The Curves of Somerville's promotion is part of the
national fitness chain's 11th Annual Curves Food Drive, which has
distributed about fifty million pounds of food to local communities
over the past five years.
"The Curves Food Drive is always exciting," said Betsy Tsichlis, the owner of the Somerville club.
We
have a chance to help so many people at a time when food banks are
lowest. Especially during these uncertain times, this food is needed
more than ever. It's a win-win situation for everyone, and we're very
proud to participate."
One Somerville agency that will be
benefiting from local drives this year is the Project Soup Food Pantry,
a service provided by the Somerville Homeless Coalition.
"Project
Soup is seeing more and more unemployed families and individuals due to
job cuts, high rents, utilities etc… and I anticipate this to go even
higher," noted Project Soup Food Pantry Coordinator, Sandra Harris. "In
May is the Post Office Food Drive, which the agency benefits greatly
from. Also, the schools are running more food drives for us which is
always a great help. Churches are also pitching in with food
collections. Many individuals bring bags of food to the pantry and say
that they know it is very hard for individuals at this time. It makes
me feel good to know that there are so many caring people willing to
share with all of us."
|
Reader Comments