Feeding the Community: PACH Outreach's Vital Food Drive

In the heart of Pepperell, a dedicated team at PACH Outreach and Food Pantry is working tirelessly to ensure that no one in their community goes hungry. Each year, they prepare over 120 holiday food baskets for their neighbors in need, but this monumental task would not be possible without the generosity of the community. As the pantry coordinator, Robin Crocker, explains, "The answer is community donations."

Empowering the Community, One Basket at a Time

Driving Donations, Fueling Hope

To replenish their shelves and prepare for the upcoming holiday season, PACH Outreach is hosting a Drive Thru Food Drive on Saturday, October 5th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their office and pantry location on 66 Hollis Street. This event promises to be a seamless and efficient way for the community to contribute. "Drive through the parking lot, and volunteers will unload your car while you wait," says Crocker. "How easy is that! And we can get ready for the holiday food baskets."The pantry is in need of a variety of non-perishable items, including side dishes like rice, boxed potatoes, stuffing, and noodles; baking essentials such as bread, dessert mixes, flour, and sugar; canned vegetables; dry or canned pasta and sauces; and the ever-popular peanut butter and jelly, along with assorted snack items. Additionally, the pantry collects personal care items like shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and soaps, as well as household necessities such as liquid dish soap, laundry detergent, paper towels, and toilet paper.Crocker emphasizes that coffee, tea, hot cocoa, pancake mix, and syrup are also in high demand, and canned vegetables, single-serving vegetables, canned fruits, and cranberry sauce are always appreciated. Dry or canned pasta and sauces, peanut butter and jelly, and snack items are staples for many families.

A Lifeline for the Community

The food drive is a crucial event for PACH Outreach, as it allows them to efficiently and effectively obtain a significant amount of food at one time. "The food drive is the most effective and efficient way to obtain a great amount of food at one time for distribution to our neighbors in need," says Deb Mathews, the PACH office coordinator.PACH Outreach's services extend beyond just providing food; they are a caring and compassionate resource for all Pepperell and Dunstable residents in need, including seniors, families, and single adults, whether unemployed or underemployed. The organization offers assistance with basic needs, such as food, personal care items, and referrals to additional resources.

Answering the Call for Help

For those in need or those who know someone in need, PACH Outreach is readily available. Residents can reach out to the organization at [email protected], through their P.O. Box 1247 in Pepperell, MA 01463, or by calling 978-925-9770. The office is staffed by dedicated volunteers who will return calls during their operating hours on Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.The upcoming food drive is a testament to the community's spirit of generosity and PACH Outreach's unwavering commitment to supporting those in need. By coming together and donating non-perishable items, the people of Pepperell and Dunstable can ensure that their neighbors have access to the nourishment and resources they require, especially during the holiday season. This food drive is more than just a collection of goods; it's a heartwarming display of the power of community and the transformative impact that can be achieved when we come together to uplift one another.