Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
WEST SPRINGFIELD When Candy Boucher, executive director of the Parish Cupboard attended the "Takin' it to the Streets" Sojourners Conference on Poverty in Washington, D.C., in June she heard something that resonated so deeply in her that it inspired her to take action to combat the summer's slow donations. In a speech given at the conference by Rep. John Lewis (D- Ga.) he said, "If you consider yourself a leader, but nobody's following you, you're just takin' a walk." This statement, Boucher said, prompted her to invite people to "take a walk" with her and asked that they make a $10 donation to the Parish Cupboard. Their names would then be written on paper feet symbolizing "the walk." Boucher sent out 1200 mailings to residents, business and churches challenging them to make a donation. "We needed a shot of affirmation that we're not by ourselves," Boucher said in an interview with Reminder Publications. "I started out to just challenge folks because it's the summer and the donations are lower. People are away on vacations and they are not hearing about us in their churches, and businesses are doing other things like golf tournaments and picnics and they are not thinking about us." Now, over one month after her challenge, the paper feet are slowly walking over all of the doorways as $4,000 has been raised so far. According to Boucher, the Parish Cupboard does not receive state or federal funding but works exclusively on donations from businesses and members of the community. Donations go to everything from buying food to paying the electric bill and paying the two and a half staff members, she added. Boucher and volunteers, including her husband come to help serve and prepare lunch for about 35 people everyday. Today is Wednesday and the Parish Cupboard is serving tacos fresh watermelon. With only two and a half permanent staff members there is not a moment for Boucher to rest as she prepares the watermelon during the interview. Another staff member Beverly Baskin, Emergency Food Coordinator interviews a resident requesting food assistance from the pantry in the adjacent room. Boucher stated that 150 households receive groceries out of the food pantry every month. Such groceries include peanut butter, jelly, pasta, macaroni and cheese, canned goods, baby formula, toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap. However Boucher was quick to state that she provides support for people who rely on the Parish Cupboard to get back on their feet and not to need the organization forever. "We've tried to be part of the solution," Boucher said. "We want to challenge people to better themselves and take care of themselves." When in need Baskin said that people should never feel embarrassed or ashamed of coming to the Parish Cupboard for assistance because that is the whole purpose of their organization, to help. Baskin also stated that she has been very pleased with the donations that people have made over the summer and even people who have come for lunch have made donations and written their name on a foot. "People that are really struggling ask us what the feet are for and now those that are homeless make donations because they know whatever comes in helps them," Baskin said. When times are hard in the food pantry, like in the summer, and the number of groceries dwindle a miracle will happen right before her eyes, Baskin stated, as someone will pull up to the Parish Cupboard with bulk items that they have purchased from Costco. Currently the food pantry is completely out of macaroni and cheese, Boucher said. There is always a need for peanut butter and jelly and pasta. Members of the community have also been donating food from their garden like zucchini, squash and tomatoes and local bakers have donated bread, she added. "We still feed people during the summer and they need the food more than ever because their children are home from school," Boucher said. Donations can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Donations may also be sent to the Parish Cupboard at 1023 Main St., West Springfield, MA, 01089. For more information call 734-7969. | ||||||
