I write with a full heart to thank the Northampton community for its extraordinary generosity during the annual Post Office Food Drive.
As the postal trucks arrived earlier than usual and our warehouse began to fill quickly, I felt as if the white paper bags brimming with groceries were messages of love and support flowing in from the entire community.
We received almost 26,000 pounds of food on May 14 (about 6,000 pounds more than last year), which will greatly enhance the variety we are able to offer our clients during the coming months. That variety of choices helps us serve our clients in an atmosphere of dignity and respect – so important for those in our community who often feel disregarded and unvalued.
As always, we relied on hundreds of dedicated volunteers, the letter carriers of Northampton and Florence, and many local businesses to make this food drive a success. At the end of the day, I overhead one volunteer commenting to another about the smooth operation of the drive.
The response was, “We all come together – everybody pitches in.”
That is exactly what happens every day here at the Northampton Survival Center. Volunteers look forward to coming to our food pantry each week to stock shelves, pick up donated food, haul recycling away, sort donated clothing and serve our clients with warm smiles and kindness.
When I thanked a volunteer for the time she gives us each week, she responded by saying, “It is my complete pleasure. Thanks for everything you do.” Once again, I am reminded that it is truly a gift to live in this community where people so freely offer their time, talent and other resources in order to help those in need.
Sarah Pease
Northampton
Sarah Pease is the program director for the Northampton Survival Center.