“Caring for the hungry without bias or prejudice and without judgment of need.”
The sentence above heads the Shepherd’s Pantry Board Meeting Agenda Page, that is sent to the pantry’s board members ahead of their quarterly meetings. It stands for exactly what it says, “caring for the hungry….”
For the past 14 years, between the Holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas, where the need is always greater, we at the Shepherd’s Pantry are asking caring folks such as yourselves, to continue in keeping the doors open so the less fortunate can receive a helping hand.
“With the return of cold weather and the start of the holiday season, the region’s food pantries are gearing up for their annual surge of needy patrons,” so said Boston Globe correspondent, Olivia Quintana.
And according to a spokesperson at the Greater Boston Food Bank, “One in ten members of our community is at risk of hunger. Hunger is not a problem facing just those in poverty — it is also a challenge faced by working and middle class neighbors. A recent study shows that 47% of those at risk for hunger in Eastern Massachusetts earn too much to qualify for government provided emergency food assistance. Many never dreamed they would need a food pantry or community meal program to feed themselves and their families.”
And that’s where the Shepherd’s Pantry, located at the Long Plain United Methodist Church at 1215 Main St. in Acushnet, comes in. So far, in 2017, 3,535 families have been served, 5,636 bags of non-perishables have been handed out and $44,000 has been spent.
All of the non-perishable items or monetary donations that the pantry receives is crucial for its survival in helping the needy. It’s a safety net that their clients have come to expect and appreciate. The many dedicated volunteers who make this happen, week after week, need the communities’ help. Any and all donations will be very much appreciated. You can make a tax-deductible donation made out to the Shepherd’s Pantry, P.O. Box 760, Fairhaven, MA 02719.
There are also drop-off places to bring non-perishable food items year round at the Milicent Library and the Stop & Shop Supermarket, both located in Fairhaven, for your convenience. If you have any questions please call the Shepherd’s Pantry for more information at 508-763-9289.
Together, we can make a positive difference in someone’s life. Happy holidays and God bless.
Gerry Payette, Holiday fundraiser coordinator
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