It is snowing, but hello spring (that is surely coming). It is a time of renewal here at the pantry. As I am acknowledging the need to clean house; a volunteer painted with a donated color, pastel green. A soft color and a fresh start for spring! So I must thank the Calvary Food Pantry Board of Trustees for its support all this long year long, especially in this spring season.
Someone posed the question, "Where do you get your money to run such an awesome operation?”
She was young. The question was unusual from an adolescent. Hoping to help her question about a very complex problem, I didn’t hold back: “Any where I can. I am always fundraising.”
But she continued to probe. I thought she was just being inquisitive; after all, she was here with her mother in the third week of the month, when food stamps (SNAP) start to run out and her family of four needed help. Then she surprised me by asking what help I got each month to help feed her and “obviously a lot more people.”
I asked her why she wanted to know.
"I hear at school how effortlessly you help not just me, but many of us families, and I wonder if you will run out of food?”
I asked, "Are you worried that I will?"
“Yes. I see what you hand out in the hour I am here and I multiply that by hundreds. I think you will run out of food to give out from your pantry back there, in the back.”
So I took her back and showed her the pantry, the refrigerators and the breads and pastries from Panera.
"OK. ... I will never worry that you have enough to feed my family. But I am very concerned that Mom’s food will run out by the fourth week.”
I assured her that I have been here for over 30 years and plan to be here another 30, but she said to me, “You have to know, I dream about the food running out here and we would starve.”
OMG. Out of the mouth of children!
I then told her the following: “My pantry is supported by 400-plus individuals in Auburn, who give what they can, 200 businesses give year-long, 10 doctors from the area and five lawyers' offices send donations. Additionally, I ask for grants and each month, I search out ones that can help me. This month I received one from Walmart and Central New York Food Bank 'seed' grants. In previous months we had fundraisers. The city of Auburn helps me with a yearly grant. I partner with the CNY Food Bank to deliver food to us weekly. I have 33 volunteers who help me monthly. I will not run out of food.”
This capable, bright, obviously gifted 14-year-old was, eventually, reassured by my promises. Oh, if I could only help every child who worries like this one, I would be overjoyed.
News from the pantry
Our luncheon April 19 was a huge success. We made $444. Scott and Bob are to be thanked for their yummy harvest and baked potato homemade soups. I have been asked by many for the recipes.
Our rummage sale is Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 10, 11 and 12. Always check our calendar on our website, cfpantry.com, for upcoming events.
We had a delightful surprise birthday party for Mary Lou Tuccillo, 90 years young, younger than me, a 10-year volunteer here at the pantry. Balloons, presents and friendship can’t express enough my thanks for her continual help. She is at the intake desk and makes sure our clients get the food they need and want. Many more birthdays, Mary Lou.
Please remember to volunteer, donate or reciprocate in kind.
