Volunteer Update – October, 2023
“You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
Hello! Writing you today with a full heart! Did you know? The Pantry fed 933 families (equaling 3,002 individuals) in September! Forty-eight volunteers donated 401 hours to make it happen.
Individuals helped with number of meals provided in July, August and September 2023
As we approach the holidays, we anticipate our client families in need will increase. The month of November is typically our busiest month as families struggle to put holiday meals on the table. At The Pantry, we expect to have as many as 1,000 families visit us for food in November.
Want to help?
Donate money: You can donate using a credit card, Pay Pal or by sending a check. Monetary donations are most helpful, as we purchase the majority of our food from the NE Regional Food Bank for far less than one can at local food stores.
Donate food: We are accepting turkeys, chickens, hams and other holiday meal donations throughout the holiday season. You can drop off packaged, unexpired food donations at the Pantry on any Wednesday from 1-6.
Volunteers go above & beyond
We are blessed to have volunteers of all ages and backgrounds donate their time to the Pantry. Today, we are highlighting three amazing students who are drawn to our mission, making a difference today and becoming change makers of the future!
Zac, Junior majoring in Journalism and Film/TV at Boston University.
His dream job? Still figuring it out…
“What started out as a way for me to do research for a high school project ended up becoming one of the most rewarding activities in my life. ”
Zac shared, "There are many things that I could say about volunteering at the Sloatsburg Food Pantry. Every person you meet–both staff and patrons–holds a story, each one as valuable as the last. I've met all sorts of people: from 80 year olds who have hiked the Appalachian Train, to parents who've traversed (and many who still are traversing) unimaginable hardship to give their loved ones a good life.
The common thread that unites these groups, however, is not the amount of land they've traversed–but their hearts. It's their compassion that extends beyond any sort of identity. This food pantry has shown me that good can come from everywhere and anyone, that–even when I find myself angry with and bitter about how cruel the world can be–there are always good people waiting to be found. People who'll make a change for the better."
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Allan, Sophomore studying Biology at Bucknell University.
His dream job? Reconstructive plastic surgeon.
“The pantry has allowed me to develop as a person and become an exemplary individual in my community.”
According to Allan, "I'm always amazed by the number of families they assist each month and the amount of food that passes through the doors. I eagerly anticipate helping them in any capacity because the pantry is profoundly dedicated to assisting those in need. The love and support the food pantry provides to the community and its volunteers is what inspires me to return and assist whenever I have the opportunity.
I remember when I first started helping out I was only a freshman in high school and now I’m a sophomore in college and to this day I still remain close to the pantry. Throughout these years of volunteering, the characteristics of being compassionate, helpful, and generous have stuck with me and will continue to do so for years to come.”
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Hayley, First year studying for her Masters in Social Work at Fordham University.
Her dream job? Working for a human rights organization doing advocacy and policy writing.
“My experience at the pantry so far has been nothing short of spectacular.”
Hayley states, “I left my first day enamored with the inner mechanisms that keep this place running. Susan and Joyce, as well as the hard-working volunteers, move mountains to be able to provide basic essential nutrient-dense foods to families struggling with food insecurity. The community is deeply involved as well, with food recovery from various grocery stores delivered by a man who dedicates his time to recovering and providing food to pantries, or the MOVE for Hunger program which provides free delivery from the Food Bank to the food pantries door.
I was aware of the struggles of food insecurity and poverty in the country but seeing it for myself and in my community has granted me a whole new level of understanding. I want to be a better person by the time I part ways with the pantry. I want to be more grateful for what I have access to, and I want to help people feel that same sense of security in their own lives. We can work together to make this community, this country, and this world a better place, and the Food Pantry is where it starts."
Volunteer opportunities and upcoming events
Please click here to view our sign-ups for October. We will be open six times with two delivery dates during the month. The calendar for October through December is below.
Calendar
October, 2023
November, 2023
December, 2023
Fundraising
While we don’t have any active fundraisers going on now, you are always welcome to share information from this newsletter or our social media pages with your friends, family and network to promote and support our efforts.
We would also welcome any ideas you have or business contacts who may be willing to host a dine-to-donate or sponsor us in some way.
Thank you for your support!
Respectfully yours,
Joyce
SFP Director
201.394.0627