TEWKSBURY — Sara Cohen is setting a positive example and teaching youngsters at Tewksbury Congregational Church Sunday School the importance of helping others.
Fourth, fifth and sixth graders at the church have worked on several projects in the community including Clean Up Day. This past weekend, some students and their parents collected food donations at the church, then delivered the food to the Tewksbury Food Pantry where Ray Bowden, Chair of the Pantry, met them and gave them a tour.
“It’s so important for the kids to participate in community service,” said Cohen. “Our students can work toward a Shining Light award at the end of the year, but once many of them get bitten by the volunteering bug, they keep it up as part of their regular activities.”
Bowden had the kids check the donations for expiration dates, then sort them and place on the shelves. Any group in the community is welcomed to gather donations and come to the pantry to work.
Bowden shared that a quick call or email to the pantry to arrange for someone to meet them is helpful and easy to do. Items always in demand include pasta, macaroni and cheese, and canned soups.
“We have donation bins at Market Basket and people can just drop their items there,” he said.
He noted that “canned soups are a favorite item,” explaining that a majority of clients are elderly, though there are families that utilize the pantry.
“The summer is a little slower for us, but we still need donations,” said Bowden.
He discussed that the winter months are busier due to the cost of heating and competing needs such as holiday gifts and holiday meals.
“The stronger economy has helped many families improve their situations, but we still have approximately 150 clients we serve in Tewksbury,” he said.
As for Cohen, she was pleased with the effort.
“These kids will go on to do community service in high school,” she said. “Understanding what food insecurity is and how donations can make a difference in the lives of others in Tewksbury really hit home for these kids.”
To contact the Tewksbury Food Pantry, visit http://ift.tt/2dSjWBS, call 978-858-2273 or email info@tewksburypantry.org.
