Businesses start canned food drive for pantry

By Sabrina Cardin
Staff writer

October 10, 2008 03:43 am

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AMESBURY — Local businesses have banded together in an effort to keep food on needy residents' tables.

Trisha Boisvert, owner of Envelop the Moment, and her husband, David, began brainstorming outreach ideas a few weeks ago. In the past year, she has become so fond of Amesbury she knew she wanted to do something for the community this holiday season.

"In light of the economy, we all know someone who could use help," Boisvert said. "I think it's everyone's responsibility to help."

Beginning at Amesbury's Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11, through Nov. 11, the Amesbury Downtown Business Association and select businesses will be collecting canned goods for Our Neighbors' Table. Riverwalk Bead Shop, Envelop the Moment, Amesbury Center for Healing and Parke Place will have designated bins for donations.

Raffle tickets will be sold for two large gift baskets and will be available at the festival and stores throughout the month of October. Tickets will cost $1, and the gift baskets will include items and gift certificates from local shops.

This year, Rosemary Werner, executive director of Our Neighbors' Table, said the need for donations has risen and the number of donations has begun to slip. With current economic woes, Werner fears those who were once donating are facing hardships themselves this year.

"We are very concerned with the economy," Werner said. "We are now seeing people with jobs coming in because the prices for living are so high."

At the beginning of October, Our Neighbors' Table numbers rose about 20 percent since last year. Last year, the food bank served a total of 1,9206 individuals and 2,508 individuals through their meal program.

In the past, the ADBA has run an Easter canned food drive for Our Neighbors' Table.

"The response was so great for the Easter drive, we hope to do as well if not better," President of the ADBA Deborah Pagley said.

For now, Joan Bukoskey, assistant director of Our Neighbors' Table, said canned beef stew, toilet paper and personal care items are needed the most.

"These are small items," Bukoskey said. "Not only big businesses make the difference. One person buying a few cans on sale can make a major difference."

What's Needed

Items Our Neighbors Table is in need of include but are not limited to canned beef stew, canned ravioli, canned soup, pasta, cereal, juice, canned pasta sauce, canned fruit, and personal care items.