By Beth David, Editor
Customers of the Stop & Shop in Fairhaven donated $1,396.20 to the Shepherd’s Food Pantry during its 2016 Food for Friends campaign. Store representatives presented the check to Gerry Payette on Friday, 2/10.
Store manager Kim Cordeiro said it it is only because of the generosity of S&S customers that the donation can happen.
“It’s nice to be able to give back to the community,” said Ms. Cordeiro.
“It’s a nice program,” said front end manager Norine Albert, and helps out people who are less fortunate.
The store also donated more than 300 boxes around the holidays. Each box has about $10 worth of food, also made possible by donations from customers.
“I just want to pass along our immense gratitude to Stop & Shop for all the help they have given us over the years,” said Blanche Pepin, director of the Shepherd’s Pantry in an email. “We would not be able to continue our goal of feeding the less fortunate in the area were it not for the generous response of so many people who come forward time after time with the assistance we need.”
Ms. Pepin said that businesses, schools and churches, a variety of local organizations and individuals all contribute in various ways to make sure the shelves are stocked for distribution on Saturday mornings.
“The people who use the pantry always are so grateful that we are there to help them,” she said.
Stop & Shop also allows the pantry to keep a food bin near the Customer Service desk for customers to donate nonperishable food items.
And, every Friday, Mr. Payette goes by the store to pick up the leftover bread and pastry items that the store also donates.
The food pantry also has a bin in the Walnut Street lobby of the Millicent Library in Fairhaven.
The Shepherd’s Food Pantry is located at 1215 Main Street in Acushnet and is always looking for volunteers. To learn how you can help, call 508-763-9289.
Tax deductible donations may be sent to Shepherd’s Pantry, PO Box 760, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Visit www.shepherdspantry.org
The pantry serves more than 120 families each week. •••
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