Donors, volunteers feed Pelham Cares’ food bank
An army of volunteers spread out across Pelham Saturday morning collecting non-perishable food and personal care items to help people in need, filling the shelves of Pelham Cares’ food bank.
“It’s the one food drive we have in the community and a signif Pelham icant portion of our donations will come in today and really maintain us through a good part of the of the year,” said Lori Grande, Pelham Cares client services co-ordinator, from inside Rice Road Greenhouses where items were sorted.
The items fill hampers for 50 families of varying size in the community once a month, said Grande.
Cares president Tracy Holmwood said smaller food drives and events throughout the year by schools, businesses and community groups cover any gaps for the remainder of the year.
“Today you really see the way the community comes together. Everyone puts food out, and service clubs, churches, busi-
nesses, community groups … everyone supports us,” said Holmwood.
She said between 300 and 350 volunteers spread out across the community thanks to Kinsmen and Lions club members in Fonthill arranging drivers and mapping out collection routes.
It was the fourth year the food drive has been based at the greenhouse, which cleared out an area to allow for drop-offs, sorting and pick-ups for delivery to the Pelham Cares office.
“Rice Road Greenhouses has been so generous in the years we’ve been here. They’re amazing and really help us throughout the day,” said Holmwood, adding the food drive used to held at Old Pelham Town Hall and the former Donut Diner building.
“We’ve really grown … it’s amazing,” said Holmwood.
She and Grande said use of the food bank increased at Thanksgiving and is expected to grow as Christmas approaches as well.
Users of the food bank in Pelham tend to be seniors, couples and those living on their own. The agency is starting to see more seniors, the women said.