SFP Volunteer Update – November, 2022
“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
Happy Thanksgiving season. I hope you all enjoyed time with your family and friends.
As you may know, November is our busiest month at the Pantry. We see not only new people, but also some who come just for Thanksgiving. Thanks to the support of our Board of Directors, Susan, Terry, Kristen, our loyal volunteers and kind community, we were able to provide holiday meals to 476 families. Over three days, the distributions included chicken, some donated turkeys, a choice of pork or fish, beautiful produce including yams and carrots, bread, butter, milk, eggs and a small gift card to ShopRite.
Of the 476 families:
- 563 were children, 856 adults and 267 seniors.
- This equals 1,686 individuals.
- We provided a minimum of 9 meals per person which totals 15,174 meals.
None of this would have been possible without you! Our Pantry relies primarily on volunteers giving their time, energy, compassion and love. This is a true gift we are thankful for EVERYDAY.
Volunteer opportunities
Please click here to view our sign-ups for December. We will be closed the week of Christmas which is why we are open this Wednesday, 11/30. We have a few open slots if you would like to sign up.
We will resume our normal 2nd and 4th Tuesday and every Wednesday in January. During our closure, we will be available for emergency visits.
Giving Tuesday
This Tuesday is Giving Tuesday. As defined by Wikipedia, it is touted as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.” We are sharing several volunteer videos on social media as part of our promotion. I ask you to watch and share these with your friends and family in the hope of expanding our donation network.
Volunteers go above and beyond
I would like to give a shout out to our very special Check-in crew this month. These folks are the first interaction our clients have with us upon entering. They not only warmly welcome everyone, but also have to navigate our client application system J. They also schedule upcoming appointments, answer questions and provide any other information which may be needed.
Our Check-in crew includes: Marianne Clancy, Shannon Donnellan (Board member), Lauren Hayward, Denise Kane (Board member), Juan Mena (Board member), Susan Meyer (Chairperson), Laura O’Hara, Joy O’Leary, Linda Pallack (Board member), Lyn Pickford and Elizabeth Takacs.
Wishing you a wonderful Sunday.
Respectfully yours,
Joyce