Food drive collected 1,000 lbs of nonperishables

Please join in the recent success of the fifth annual Pack the Pick-up With Proteins for the Pantry. On behalf of local service clubs, Altrusa International of Central CT, the Civitan Club of Middletown and Soroptimists of the CT River Valley, I would like to thank Stop & Shop at 416 East Main St., Middletown, and the greater Middletown community for their support of our food drive for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown.

Altrusans, Civitans and Soroptimists all serve the needs of greater Central Connecticut. Volunteers solicited and collected 1,004 pounds of food, $663 and a $50 gift card to Stop & Shop. Our success is due to the generosity of our site, Stop & Shop and our community.

The end of summer is a critical time for the food pantry, as donations are not as strong and school begins. The Amazing Grace Food Pantry staff could not have been more overjoyed with our donations. Altrusa International of Central CT is part of an international organization dedicated to building stronger community through service, leadership and fellowship. Locally, their focus promotes “Literacy for All Ages.”

Civitan Club of Middletown, part of Civitan International, has been active in the Middletown area since 1964. Local Civitans provide community service with an emphasis on improving the lives of those with disabilities. Soroptimists of Connecticut River Valley is part of an international volunteer service organization for professional and community minded women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Pat Jackowski, chairwoman,

Civitan Club of Middletown