Neither snow, nor rain, nor dark of night can keep the food pantry volunteers from their duties. While we’re not out there everyday like the postal workers, winter weather won’t stop our dedicated crew from getting nutritious food to our neighbors. It’s the connections that happen at the pantry that keep us showing up every week.
I was chatting with Gordon, who comes regularly to deliver contributions from the Zion Episcopal Church. One of the congregants usually donates coffee, which is not something we get from our regular suppliers. So I asked Gordon to let the congregant know that one client in particular absolutely lights up when there is coffee available. It’s a small kindness from one neighbor to another that makes his week better and helps him start the day with a smile.
Volunteer John Prendergast hauls a donation from Zion Episcopal Church that included smile-inducing coffee.
Gretchen Skaggs, co-director of the pantry, caught up with Natalie, below at left, as she dropped off her donation of diapers. Natalie casually mentioned that every time there is a sale on diapers she picks up an extra box for a pantry client. Thanks, Natalie, for helping our youngest neighbors. We love when donating becomes a habit. Anything can spark generosity.
Kids really helped out in big ways in February. The Kindness Crew was back with a hugely successful drive. Way to spread the word, Crew! Here’s Joanna Golden, above right, bringing their donations.
The Ziff family held a donation drive for their son’s bar mitzvah. Thank you and Mazel Tov!
The fourth grade food drive at Springhurst was so successful that they donated 17 boxes of food. Way to go fourth graders! Thanks to all the Springhurst families for your generosity. Our donation sorters were extra busy that Wednesday. And our tables were filled with tasty choices for our clients.
Mary’s Yarns, a community program sponsored by the Friends of the Dobbs Ferry Library, a nonprofit, filled a table with handmade scarves on a chilly morning. So beautiful and cozy. And thank you to The Scarsdale Woman’s Club for their continued support. Here’s Rosemary (left) with Vera Halpenny, pantry co-director, dropping off much needed Stop & Shop gift cards.
We are grateful to Temple Beth Shalom for their weekly contribution of fresh produce. Here’s just some of the spinach they donated.
Every week our clients are happy to receive the delicious donations from Mom’s Organic Market, Stop & Shop, Panera Bread and Sunshine Bagels. Have you tried their donuts? So good!
Sharon Bilman wrote this newsletter and she appreciates all the people that pull on their boots and come to the pantry on those snowy, overcast and chilly mornings.
Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry 