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Parish Cupboard kicks off annual fund-raising campaign

By Michelle Symington

MetroWest Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD The Parish Cupboard kicked-off its annual Cash for the Cupboard Campaign with an "eat and run" breakfast for many of its supporters on March 1.

Throughout the morning, many members of the community stopped by to eat breakfast, which included silver dollar pancakes, Candy's breakfast casserole, juice, milk and coffee.

The breakfast was prepared by Candy Boucher, executive director of the Parish Cupboard.

This is the first year the Parish Cupboard has hosted a breakfast to launch the annual campaign.

Boucher explained that she decided to host the breakfast for two reasons.

"Today is Ash Wednesday and, for me as a Christian, it is a way for me to reach out and be able to serve people who support us," she said.

She added that the breakfast was also a way for the Parish Cupboard to thank the business people, civic groups, churches, individuals and families who support the organization.

"Anytime there is food, people come," she said, adding that it is nice for people to come by the Parish Cupboard because it gives her a chance to say a few words.

Although not everyone who received an invitation attended the breakfast, Boucher said that "in a way, the invitation is as significant as the attendance" because it reminds people about the campaign.

"If people could not make it, it was a way to jump start interest," she said.

The donations received for the Cash for the Cupboard Campaign support the organization's annual operating budget.

The fund-raiser takes place during the months of March and April. Boucher's goal is to raise $30,000, but is hoping to surpass that amount.

Last year, Boucher set the goal at $40,000 and the campaign raised $37,000. She set the goal lower with the hopes of hitting and possibly going over.

"People like to go over a goal," she said. "My personal goal is that we raise half of our operating expenses during the campaign."

The annual operating budget for the Parish Cupboard is $113,000.

The Cash for the Cupboard Campaign supports a large portion of the budget. The budget is also supported by donations given to the organization year round. In addition, the Parish Cupboard receives some monetary support through grants from Project Bread, the Walk for Hunger and Greater Springfield Senior Services.

Boucher explained that the Parish Cupboard does not receive any state or federal funding. The organization relies solely on donations, which she said is a surprise to some people.

"We are a community organization neighbors helping neighbors," she said.

For over 20 years, the Parish Cupboard has been serving families and members of the community by providing food through the food pantry and meals through the soup kitchen.

Boucher said the organization serves 225 families each month in the food pantry. She added that the dining numbers are down, but the Parish Cupboard provides 600 meals a month. Currently, the organization is only serving lunch.

"We meet the basic needs here," she said. "There is a lot of talk about energy costs, unemployment and homelessness. We meet people's immediate need for food. We are the way many people from Agawam, Feeding Hills and West Springfield eat."

Boucher explained that the Parish Cupboard does more than just provide food.

"When we meet people for the purpose of sharing food with them, we also form a relationship," she said.

She added that the Parish Cupboard often helps families network to a variety of agencies that may be able to help with other problems they may be experiencing.

"The word 'relationship' here is important for us," she said. "It is hard to trust people when you are poor."

The Parish Cupboard also offers school supplies, Christmas and birthday gifts as well as blankets and coats to those in need.

The Parish Cupboard receives support from community members such as business people, schools, individuals, families, civic organizations and churches, each year.

She said it was more difficult to meet the goal last year because there was a lot of tragedy in the world and "the economic climate was not as good."

This year, the campaign is already off to a good start, Boucher said. She added that any amount people are able to donate will be accepted.

"There is no donation too small or too large," Boucher said.

In the event that the campaign slows down, Boucher said she will take to the streets looking for donations if she has to.

"It is my job to make sure people who have, share with people who don't," she said.

Boucher said food donations are low, but added that during the months of March and April, the monetary donations are needed.

The Parish Cupboard did well with food donations in November and December and they are still using that food. In addition, Boucher said the Food Bank is helping to offset the need during the slow time at the Parish Cupboard.

"While we don't ask for food in March or April, we certainly do need it," she said.

Anyone interested in supporting the Parish Cupboard and their neighbors, can send donations to: The Parish Cupboard, 1023 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089.

Food donations can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday or by appointment.