The people are the heart of the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry. And this month we said “see you later” to two people who have found new ways to serve our community.
If you’ve been to the pantry in the last decade, odds are you’ve met Andrew Smith. He has been volunteering for over 10 years. Every Wednesday without fail he is out front offering a helping hand and smile to all – always at the ready to assist clients with the carts and loading food into their cars.
Andrew knows everyone. Not just the names and faces of the clients, the volunteers, and the regular donors – well over a 100 people – but also their stories. He knows our kids’ names, what our families are celebrating or going through, who’s having a tough time and needs a little more attention. And he checks in with you every week. Andrew makes you feel respected and seen because he truly cares.
His ability to connect with people is why we know that Andrew is going to be amazing in his next venture. Andrew is continuing his studies to become a counselor for people with drug and alcohol addiction. With his generous spirit, he’ll be helping even more people. And if you want to catch up with Andrew, you can find him at South Presbyterian Church where he’s a deacon. We already miss him, but we wish him well.
Nancy Kaboolian may be best known in the river towns as the former mayor of Ardsley. After collaborating with the pantry to feed refugees, she became a volunteer and advocate. She has started a new role as Deputy Legislative Director for Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. We’ll miss her on Wednesday mornings, but she’ll carry on as a board member working on the big picture and going after grants.
In her good-bye Nancy gave this description of the pantry, “It’s the people that you serve, not just food to, it’s the moral support. It’s being here and knowing that people care. It’s a remarkable service for our community.”
Coming Soon
There’s an easy way to contribute to the pantry. From October 19th to the 25th, Stop and Shop in Dobbs is having a food drive for. Pick up a little extra for your neighbors.
Many People to Thank
As usual, our generous community came together to support the pantry.
(left) Produce contribution from the Roots and Wings CSA.
(right) Carol from Dobbs Ferry Lutheran church dropped off donations!
(left) Benji Leòn, (6th grader) Sandi Lieb, and Val Fox from Woodland Temple load Vera Halpenny’s car full of their Yom Kippur collection.
(right) Weekly donator and neighbor Gordon Beckhorn from Zion Episcopal church proudly shows Duke Coffey one the many cans of coffee he donated along with other items.
We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support from the following organizations and local businesses: Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church, Irvington Presbyterian Church, South Presbyterian Church, Temple Beth Shalom, United Methodist Church, Woodlands Community Temple, Zion Episcopal Church, MOM’s Organic Market, Panera. Stop & Shop, Sunshine Bagel and The Shop.
This month’s newsletter was written by Sharon Bilman,who just realized that she’s half way to being a volunteer for a decade.Time flies when you’re sorting inventory 🙂
