Lorraine's Soup Kitchen launches campaign

Date: 11/4/2008

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



CHICOPEE Lorraine's Soup Kitchen has launched a capital campaign in order to attempt to move into their new Meadow Street facility "free and clear," according to Jerry Roy, the president of the food pantry's Board of Directors.

Roy told Reminder Publications the charity seeks to raise $300,000 between now and next summer in order to pay for the construction of the building. Although a number of construction-related businesses have donated products and services, there is a need for additional funding.

The charity has a line of credit with a local bank to enable the construction to begin and Roy said the foundation of the building should be poured this week.

The first phase of the campaign will solicit contributions from area businesses, Roy explained.

"This phase is the most crucial part and is focusing on businesses, he said. "Our fundraising committee is headed by Michael Williams, vice president Chicopee savings Bank, Invest Advisor Representative LPL Financial. Mike and his team have an established plan which includes several phases which, through the generosity of businesses and individuals, will ensure the uninterrupted funding of the building stage of the facility."

The food pantry has never had a Web site before, but does now, thanks to Crocker Communications," Roy added. The address is www.lorrainessoupkitchen.com.

"We have established the Web site to keep the public informed of what is happening on the [construction] site from day to day," Roy said. "In addition to that, the Web site will be our best tool for offering to information to the public as to what services we offer, what volunteer opportunities exist, as well as keeping them up to date on what our current needs are so that we may adequately provide for the needy in our community."

And the need is growing. Roy said the staff of the soup kitchen has seen an increase of four or five families a week seeking assistance.

"The whole thing [economic crisis] worries me," he said. "Hopefully we can accommodate everyone looking for help."

To assist the organization meet the challenge of serving more people, Mayor Michael Bissonnette announced a citywide food drive for the charity to run from Nov. 17 through Dec. 19. Bissonnette is asking residents to donate non-perishable food and drop them off in the containers at the Mayor's Office in City Hall, any Chicopee public building, the Chicopee Electric Light building on front Street and the Department of Public Works headquarters on Baskin Road.