Help Gifts of Love and the Farmington Valley Hunger Collaborative restock their pantries at the "Stuff the Truck" Food Drives that will be held from 10:00am-4:00pm on three consecutive Saturdays: March 3 at Fitzgeralds Foods in Simsbury, March 10 at , and March 17 at Big Y in Avon. They are hoping to collect 1,000 bags of food from all three food drives. Cash donations will also be accepted.
“We really want our communities to be aware of the Farmington Valley Hunger Collaborative, which is comprised of agencies and food pantries in Avon, Canton, Farmington and Simsbury. The Collaborative works together to better deliver services to those in need in the Farmington Valley,” said Jim Martino, who runs the Avon Food Pantry, located in St. Ann’s Church.
“For the last three years, we have combined resources in order to share food drives, and pick up orders at Foodshare. We also grow produce in collaboration with the Community Farm of Simsbury in order to provide clients with fresh fruit and vegetables,” said Diana Goode, Executive Director of Gifts of Love.
"Many families are still struggling, and the Collaborative helps ensure that all of the pantries have ample food and can meet the need. It truly is a great resource," noted Mickey Lecours-Beck, Director of Simsbury Social Services.
This series of food drives also highlights the Gifts of Love truck, which is a crucial part of the Hunger Collaborative’s programs because it is used to pick up and deliver food. It is also used by Gifts of Love to accept large items from its donors, and deliver furniture to clients.
“Our truck is one of our best forms of advertising and awareness. Area businesses generously sponsored the new truck last year, which allows us to continue to assist people across the Farmington Valley, and beyond,” said Goode.
Two $2,500 logo sponsorships are still available on the truck. Any business interested in sponsorship may contact Diana Goode at 860-676-2323.
Fitzgeralds Foods in Simbury, Stop & Shop in Unionville, and Big Y of Avon are pleased to be partnering with the FarmingtonValley Hunger Collaborative’s "Stuff the Truck” Food Drives. Community volunteers, including the University of Hartford’s Women’s Golf Team, will be ready to assist shoppers on March 3, 10, and 17.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Chris Napierski at Gifts of Love, 860-676-2323, or cnapierski@giftsoflovect.org.
Submitted by Lori Shield.
