PEPPERELL — When you visit the Senior Center you will note a container on the table at the entrance to the dining room. The reason for this receptacle is to collect donations.
The amount collected to be matched by the Friends of the Pepperell Senior’s organization. This money is earmarked for additional food items that can be added to the list of surplus foods distributed each month at the Center.
It should be noted that we do obtain several cases of food free of charge from the Greater Boston Food Bank and are able to purchase additional food and personal care items at a reduced cost.
The Center’s director, Sharon Mercurio, had also received a grant from Project Bread to help with this worthwhile endeavor and will be applying again this year. Her efforts along with the many volunteers makes this project possible.
The second Thursday of each month, from 2 to 4 p.m., the surplus food is made available for pick-up at the Senior Center but prior to that time much work by the volunteers is required. First and foremost, a volunteer with a pickup truck has to travel to the Boston Food Bank at their satellite in Natick to get the food. Another volunteer has to go along to help load the truck.
Once back at the Center, the food items have to be carried into the Center, separated and bagged for the recipients.
There is a food pantry at the Center, and any items left at the end of the day is placed in the pantry. Anyone in need is encouraged to take advantage of this service. If you have any questions, please call (978) 433-0326.
