December 7, 2024 Newsletter
November Update
Our amazing volunteers made a record setting day on Friday the 22nd look like just another busy day at the pantry while shattering every existing record. Your dedication, efficiency and camaraderie are what makes the Newbury Food Pantry such a special place. We expected that the Friday before Thanksgiving would be super busy but everyone pitched in and together they made the day go smoothly, handing out 180 turkeys in the process. Their effort is highlighted by comparing it against the October averages.
Scott Leppanen, a dedicated volunteer, handed out many of the turkey's to our guests Friday before Thanksgiving.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT : ALLISON LEHANE
“Volunteering for the Newbury Food Pantry is such an important and rewarding part of my life; I can't imagine not being a part of it!
I volunteered indirectly for several years before I jumped in with both feet. I provided weekly school food recovery throughout the school year and set up VegOut Markets in the parking lot (summers/falls) Fridays for Nourishing the Northshore. When Covid hit in 2020 and everything was shut down, I knew I could be of service to the families and seniors in our community. Then in 2021 I became more involved after Nourishing the Northshore decided to drop the School Food Recovery - I asked Jane Merrow if I could take the program under my wing through the pantry and she could not have been more supportive and enthusiastic! Bay James, Al Jason and I, the three musketeers, along with dedicated support team - the program continues to grow and flourish. I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful team! It takes a village. ❤️
I also serve as an afternoon shopper, tally weekly cooler inventory and sponsor a holiday gift basket drive through my garden club, volunteer for annual open houses and host cookout fundraisers with my husband. There are so many creative ways to get involved! What I have found most surprising about volunteering at the pantry is the beautiful friendships I have made and how much fun we have together!
Never have I felt it is better to give than receive. Words to live by.”
CAROLING AND COCOA ON THE WATERFRONT - Friday, December 6
Please join us at 5:30 on Friday, December 6 as we enjoy Cocoa and the Newburyport Children’s Choir performance under a warm tent at Waterfront Park. The Wolfe Club of Newburyport will be presenting checks from their very successful 5th Annual Turkey Classic fundraiser totaling over $10,000 to eight non profits that help provide food security during this Holiday season. The Newbury Food Pantry is one of the recipients and will receive a check for $1,150.
There will also be a visit from Santa, and with a little courage the Club will be leading a sing along to close out the event.
COMEDY NIGHT AT THE GROG TO BENEFIT THE PANTRY - January 17@7:00PM
Use QR code below, lower left corner, to purchase tickets.
STUFF THE BUS FOOD DRIVE
Triton Community Service Club food drive called Stuff The Bus delivered 848.8 pounds of food to the pantry last month.
DRY WALL WORK COMPLETED
New drywall work was recently completed by lead contractor of our new addition, Charlie Forestall, and assisted by Steve Kearney (pictured) plus our own Glen Holt. This will help reduce erosion and protect the community gardens below.
Our Loretta fundraiser will be on Wednesday, December 11. Starting at 5 pm, Loretta will donate part of the proceeds to the Pantry. Plan on dinner out (take out or eat in). You'll see a lot of familiar faces as the community turns out to support our work. We suggest that you make reservations in advance.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
As our work has expanded to help more neighbors in our community, our need for volunteers has increased. Volunteer opportunities include calling our guests to take their orders on Wednesday, staffing four shifts throughout the day on Friday to fulfill grocery orders for our guests, and assisting in the occasional Food Drive or other special projects on Saturdays.
Here is what our volunteers are saying:
"It’s a real pleasure to work in concert with such friendly, organized people. I loved the fast pace and the way the hours raced by."
"Such an awesome organization. So glad to be a part of this community effort."
"I really enjoy volunteering with you and everyone else at the pantry. It's such important work for the community and everyone is so welcoming and kind."
Come join us! Email Barbara at info@newburyfoodpantry.org to let her know you are interested.
FOOD DONATIONS
We accept food donations every Thursday from 9:30 am -1 pm. If you are not able to drop off at that time, please contact us at info@newburyfoodpantry.org or call 978-358-1077 to arrange another time.
Our most requested items include Coffee, Tea, Flour, Sugar, Baking Mixes, Cereals, Pasta Sides, Jello and Pudding Mixes, Jelly, Broths, Soups, and Toilet Paper.