New Members
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) and the North Central Hunger & Health Roundtable would like to thank the community for supporting their 2022 Holiday Food Drive. The inaugural drive provided food to over 450 families, benefiting more than 1,100 people.
Throughout November and early December, community members dropped off food and non-food items at local organizations, banks and businesses throughout North Central Massachusetts. On December 20-21, local food pantries and agencies came to the UWNCM office to pick up the donated items. Donations included stuffing, rice, pasta, cranberry sauce, gravy, pies, hats, gloves and socks. The United Way Combat Hunger initiative also gave funds to supplement the effort.
Drive organizers would like to give special thanks to the following participants: ACTION Community Health Center, Athol Area YMCA, Bethany Baptist Church, Chair City Church, Enterprise Bank, Faith Lutheran Church, Fitchburg Community Health Center, Ginny's Helping Hand, Inc., Greater Gardner Community Health Center, Leominster Community Health Center, Lowe’s, Main Street Bank, Mill City Pub, Montachusett Veteran's Outreach Center, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, St. Bernard's High School, Salvadore Chevrolet Auto Group, Table Talk Pies and Tufts.
The following food pantries and agencies received donations from the drive:
• Catholic Charities
• Clear Path for Veterans NE
• Gardner CAC
• Ginny’s Helping Hands, Inc.
• Growing Places Garden Project, Inc.
• Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Inc.
• Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center
• North Central Massachusetts Faith Based Community Coalition
• Our Father’s House
• St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Leo’s
• Salvation Army of Athol
• Salvation Army of Fitchburg/Leominster
• Spanish American Center
• Winchendon CAC
Speaking of the drive, Brandon Robbins, Executive Director of Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc., says, “The UWNCM Holiday Food Drive was an incredible support to our Holiday Food Baskets of Hope program. Every year Ginny’s provides hundreds of families across North Central MA with all of the supplies needed for a delicious holiday meal. Because of the work of UWNCM, and the various partners who supported this effort, Ginny’s was able to help an even larger number of families/individuals in our region. Thank you to everyone who ensured a happy holidays for our clients!”
Julie Meehan, Executive Director of Gardner CAC, says, “The support from UWNCM, Growing Places and local businesses, churches and social clubs through this region wide food drive meant that we did not have to turn away a single family in need of a holiday meal. Through this partnership, over 400 people were provided a meal! This has been an especially tough year for the families and individuals that we serve. Each day we see people who are struggling to provide basic everyday meals for themselves and their families, let alone make a holiday meal special. This partnership in particular helps brighten the holidays and, at least temporarily, alleviate the struggle and fear that many families face.”
Kelly Ratcliffe and Donna Bulger, Vice President of Clear Path for Veteran’s in Deven’s.
