November 2009 The Reporter
Continued from Cover...
Rehoboth Food Pantry Needs Help To Keep Up With Demand By Laura Calverley The holidays are usually a time when food pantries can count on the generosity of others to keep their shelves fully stocked. But this year may be different. Martin says that they are not stocked at all for the holidays at this point. He says people haven’t thought much about the holidays yet. But he has, and he’s getting concerned. “We haven’t gotten commitments from residents or businesses to donate holiday meats and other items or donations to allow us to go out and buy for the holidays,” said Martin. He says they are seeking donations of any type of meat – turkeys, hams, etc – as well as instant potatoes, rice, canned vegetables, canned fruit, soups, gravy and any type of dessert. The pantry has a refrigerator and freezer, so they can accept cold items. They are also always in need of paper products and toiletries. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated, and can sometimes go further because Martin and his staff can purchase food at reduced rates. “Everything helps. We’re at people’s mercy. It’s hard,” he said. The situation is so tough right now that Martin says Helping Hands may not be able to give out its annual holiday baskets this year. “There are a lot of people who don’t come in weekly for food, but we usually deliver them baskets just at the holidays,” he says.
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Martin is asking anyone who has received a food basket in the past to please visit the pantry or call him ahead of time to check on the availability of baskets this year.
Holiday Toy Drive & Blizzard of Giving Program
Helping Hands recently kicked off its annual Holiday Toy Drive and “Blizzard of Giving” campaign. They are now accepting toys, books and other holiday gifts for Rehoboth children. The campaign runs through November 22. Unwrapped toys are preferred, unless you call Helping Hands ahead of time and get the name of a specific item from someone’s list. In the Blizzard of Giving program, Christmas lists are collected from needy children in town and snowflakes are posted, with items from the lists, at the schools and Rehoboth Post Office. People can pick a snowflake, then purchase the item, giftwrap it, and return it for distribution. Martin says that anyone who wants to submit a list should call before Thanksgiving. The list of holiday gift items for donation will be posted as soon as possible. Gifts should be sent in by December 12, if possible. Any holiday donation can also be dropped off at 127 Martin Street.
Location/Hours/How to Apply
The Helping Hands Food Pantry is located at 51 Winthrop Street and is open on Thursdays 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. to Rehoboth residents only and by appointment for emergencies. Anyone interested in using the pantry must have a voucher. To apply, contact Martin at 508-252-3263.
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