Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

Recent donation helps keep Parish Cupboard filled for summer months

Date: 6/13/2012

June 13, 2012

By Debbie Gardner

debbieg@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Parish Cupboard is well stocked for the summer, thanks to a recent donation from Allied Waste/Republic Services Inc., the contractor that handles trash and recycling for the town.

Mayor Gregory Neffinger said he wanted to thank the employees of Allied Waste for their efforts to help out neighbors in need.

"The pantry depends on businesses to supplement its food supply [to] really meet the needs of the less fortunate in town," Neffinger said. "We really appreciate all the private businesses that provide support to our citizens."

West Springfield Waste Management Coordinator Michael Pattavina estimated Allied Waste executives Donald Higgins, general manager of the Springfield and Auburn divisions, Bruce Stanas, Municipal and Government Affairs manager, and Gary Bousquet, manager of the company's Springfield Transfer Station delivered between 350 and 400 pounds of food to the pantry on June 6.

Higgins said this was the third year local Allied employees — many of whom live and work in Agawam and West Springfield, the towns served by the Parish Cupboard — hosted a company drive for the pantry.

"Our guys are in the towns each day. They see the need," Higgins said.

Martha Tighe, executive director of the Parish Cupboard, said Allied Waste's donation came at an opportune time.

"People have a tendency not to think about us during the summer," Tighe said, adding that often the Cupboard sees more families in need during the warm months, when children no longer get free or reduced lunches at school.

The Postal Service food drive in May was "good" this year, Tighe said, but the added boost from Allied Waste would ensure the Cupboard's staples last until food drives begin in early fall.

She noted that the Parish Cupboard typically provides more than 200 families a month with emergency food, and the lunch program feeds between 40 and 50 individuals a day.

She said the Cupboard, which is located at 1023 Main St., is still seeking supplies of juice boxes for the summer.

Tighe's goal is to give every family with children a supply of juice boxes with their monthly emergency supplies.

For more information on the Parish Cupboard and how to make a donation, call 734-7969.



Bookmark and Share