Maureen Pride has been a volunteer at the food pantry for 6 years. She manages the kitchen area: ordering all paper products, organizing volunteers and setting up for lunch each week.

She went to school to obtain Safe Serve Certification. No job is too small or too large for

her. Most Thursdays by closing you can find her in the kitchen putting everything back in

it's proper place. Volunteers that work in the kitchen area love Maureen's cheery smile.

Clients know her by name. Maureen organized the pantry's participation in the Church's

Holiday Fair last year earning over $300 to benefit the pantry. She has been an inspiration

to student volunteers helping out on school vacations. She is a retired teacher and has not been idle since her retirement. Always a kind word to those she meets. We are lucky to have her!!

March 1rst starts our participation in the Feinstein Challenge. Each year for the months of

March and April we count every donation and send in the total amount to the Feinstein

Foundation along with hundreds of food pantries around the country. One million dollars is

then distributed to all participants proportionate to donations raised. Our share is usually

between $300-$500 each year.

This year we have decided to have our Spaghetti Supper/Sock Hop in the fall. Details will

follow as soon as we have a definite date.

Since obtaining a donation of a walk-in refrigeration/freezer unit we have been able to distribute

fresh produce, eggs and milk on a regular basis. Words cannot express how grateful we are

to the Tremblay Bus Company for their on going generosity and dedication to helping the poor.

The generosity of many are what enables us to keep our door open each week. Each and every donation is appreciated by someone in need.

Last week the Youth Group from St Francis Church in Acushnet, MA. helped during their school vacation by donating their time. The did everything from washing dishes to carrying out groceries for the elderly. Young faces are always appreciated along with their enthusiasm.

I wish it was possible to thank everyone for their donations of food, money and time. Please

come to visit the pantry any Thursday you might find yourself in our area.

" It is the responsibility of all to help the poor" God Bless. Paula, Director

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Thanks to many donations of gently used winter coats we have given out over 300

coats this winter. Many people waiting outside without the proper clothing have

been appreciative of your donations. We will continue to distribute coats during the next 2 months. The Knights of Columbus provided over 200 new coats to children ages 4-12

just before Christmas. Last month we served 1,314 lunches. The new year will continue to

present many challenges and with your support it makes it possible to keep our door

open each week. God Bless and Happy New Year.

Christmas Blessings

Through the generosity of so many we were able to distribute a canned ham, a new blanket,

and a Christmas stocking to everyone that came to the Pantry December 22nd. The line was

long but we were fortunate to have a warm day with temperatures in the low 50's.

The crowd was patient and thankful for the donations they received. Lasalette Shrine had

donated Christmas stockings last year and we collected small items throughout the year

to fill them. We also received some candy from the Boston Food Bank for everyone's sweet

tooth. Many groups, schools and individuals contributed by collecting canned goods.

Mayor Lang's office from the city of New Bedford donated gift cards, spiral hams and

turkeys. We served everyone a cup go homemade clam chowder and a turkey sandwich.

Our volunteers are always ready to help with a smile and a helping hand. Unfortunately

we neglected to take many pictures.

Next year will bring more challenges and we continue to pray for God's help in serving others.

May you have a blessed New Year. Please consider visiting the Pantry any Thursday during

our normal hours of 10:00 am to 1:30 pm.

A Happy Thanksgiving To All

Thanksgiving donations given to grateful families

A picture is worth a thousand words. Another busy week !!