SFP Volunteer Update – June, 2023
“We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are there always for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you.”
- Jeff Warner
Hello. As we welcome summer and vacations, I want to wish each of you a wonderful season. Your time and dedication to our Pantry is heartwarming and amazing. I could never thank any of you enough.
Traditionally, our client visits slightly decline during the summer months. We did see a slight decrease in June when we assisted 894 families (2,871 individuals) from 909 families (2,940 individuals) in May. Our age breakdown remains mostly unchanged with 30% children and 17% seniors in our client base.
Fundraising
As many of you are aware, our fundraising team worked diligently to organize and execute a beautifully successful fundraiser on June 10th at the Tuxedo Country Club. The location was a dream – we had a main room with an outdoor seating area overlooking the lake. Volunteers and supporters attended and mingled the night away. It was a lovely night including lively conversations, silent auctions, paddle raising items, and a banner 50/50! Thank you to everyone who sold and bought raffle tickets, donated auction items, attended and purchased items! Who is up for helping to plan an event for next year?
Pete announced winners and led the paddle bidding!
Monthly Highlight
This month, I would like to share with you a view of our Healthy Snack Program. Through the Program, we work with six local elementary schools plus George F Baker High School to provide healthy, individually wrapped snacks throughout the school year to students in need. The program has been very successful and in place since 2018.
Over the 2022-23 school year, more than 16,000 snacks were distributed.
This is a partnership between the Pantry and each school. A teacher, nurse, ENL or FRC are designated by the school to identify students in need, track and distribute the snacks in addition to their regular duties. This program would not succeed without the dedication, love and kindness of these volunteers.
I would like to recognize the following volunteers who go above and beyond: Marie Castricone, Socorro Clemente, Tracy Franks, Mariela Gutenberger, Denise Kane, Christine Oliva & Cerafina Rodriguez.
If you would like to donate or see some of the snacks we provide, please refer to our Amazon wish list.
Volunteer opportunities
Please click here to view our sign-ups for July. We will be open six times with two delivery dates during the month. Thank you in advance for giving your time. We appreciate you!!
Wishing you all a Happy 4th of July!
Respectfully yours,
Joyce
SFP Director
201.394.0627