For more than two decades, Rock 102's Mayflower Marathon has helped fill the shelves of Springfield's Open Pantry by bringing the community together to help fight hunger.
Traditionally, the goal is to fill three 48-foot tractor trailers with non-perishable food during a 52-hour broadcast from the parking lot of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Most years, the food gathered from this drive alone lasts into the early spring, which helps keep needy families and individuals fed during the cold winter months.
Last year the Emergency Food Pantry had 51,706 visits, and the contributions of food and money received from the Mayflower Marathon impacts roughly a third of those visits. In short, local residents will receive food from this year's Mayflower Marathon donation approximately 17,000 times.
The driving force behind the Mayflower Marathon is the Rock 102 morning drive team of Bax and O'Brien (Mike Baxendale and John O'Brien), who have been on-air partners since 1995.
Though their on-air presence, which is bolstered by producer and newsman Steve Nagle, is one of habitual mischief and unyielding satire, their fans know the team isn't afraid to tackle serious issues, support local causes and lend a hand in the community. As a testament to the show's reach, contributions to the Mayflower Marathon increase year over year without fail, eclipsing six figures in food and cash donations.
Matthew Castleman, executive director of Springfield's Open Pantry, says the organization is grateful for the Mayflower Marathon, but cautioned there is still need.
"Open Pantry has been able to stay operational over the last 40 years because of the generosity and caring of the community," Castleman said. "We serve an extremely large amount of needy people here in Western Mass., but we do not meet the entire need. The number of people we are able to serve is dependent on the amount of food and money that we receive from the community."
Castleman also said that while the outpouring of support from the community around the holidays is appreciated, the need is actually greater in the warmer months.
"Without the breakfasts and lunches provided through the schools, many families struggle to feed their children through the summer months," Castleman said. "Because of this we see a large increase in families utilizing our Loaves and Fishes Kitchen and the Emergency Food Pantry."
Many local schools participate in their own food drives to help the Mayflower Marathon. Last year, contributions from nine area schools filled nearly an entire trailer. This year, 17 schools participated, and Ludlow High School rang up the largest overall contribution, totaling $10,459.69.
For being the top school, Ludlow High will be awarded with a $1,000 prize donated by the law firm of Alekman DiTusa, and a pizza party from Big Y goes to the class that raised the most within the school. The grand total from school contributions reached nearly $32,000.
The Mayflower Marathon collects non-perishable food as well as cash donations. Whether it's individuals bringing a few cans, schools and organizations loading a van or a business donating money, it's all an important part of the recipe for the services the Open Pantry provides.
While food can be the easiest form of donation, and it's impressive to see the volume collected over the three days of the Mayflower Marathon, it isn't the only way to help the Open Pantry.
Volunteering is another great way to help the Open Pantry.
"While we truly hope that one day there will not be a need for our services, we are always looking to engage and inform the next generation. We encourage young families to bring their children to our events and we welcome them to volunteer at any of our programs," Castleman said. "Many children enjoy helping to serve a meal at our Loaves and Fishes Kitchen and this a great way to teach your kids about the value of service to your community."
While the Mayflower Marathon is over for 2016, cash donations are being accepted through the end of Thanksgiving weekend on the Rock 102 website.
