Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell delivers food donations collected during the Registry of Deeds Annual Holiday Food Drive to Catherine Russell, Wellesley Food Pantry Board Member.
Wellesley, MA – Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell recently delivered donations of food to the Wellesley Food Pantry. The contributions came from the Registry staff, title examiners, and the public, who participated in the Registry’s Annual Holiday Food Drive which was held from November 14th to December 14th.
“On behalf of the many people who contributed to the Registry’s food drive, it is my pleasure to deliver these items to the Wellesley Food Pantry," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. "I am thankful that so many Norfolk County residents, including our employees and title examiners, took the opportunity to donate and to help those with hardships during the holiday season.”
The Registry collected more than 280 pounds of food during the drive, including items such as boxes of spaghetti, jars of sauce, canned soups, and fruits.
"Community donations are really important, because we are all privately funded so everything, we get comes from privet donations and every little bit helps," said Catherine Russell, Wellesley Food Pantry Board Member.
The Wellesley Food Pantry serves more than 400 clients in 200 households. Of those who receive food assistance, nearly one in four are children and more than two out of five are 65 or older.
“The food pantries throughout Norfolk County provide a valuable and much-needed resource for residents facing both long-term and temporary hardships, including children, families, and individuals, and I am grateful to be able to help in this small way,” said Register O’Donnell.
According to Project Bread, household food insecurity in Massachusetts has been fluctuating between 20 and 26%. Many Norfolk County food pantries have seen a significant increase in demand in the last year.
“There is definitely a need for food assistance, and it is nice to know that this donation was collected with community support and that it will go directly to people that need it,” said Russell.
The Wellesley Food Pantry is located at 207 Washington Street in Wellesley. Food pickups are available by appointment afternoons and evenings every 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Register O'Donnell concluded, “Hunger does not stop after the holidays it is a persistent issue affecting many of our neighbors. I encourage residents to consider dropping off food supplies at their local pantry. Pantries are requesting canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries, and paper products. Dropping off a food donation at a local pantry can make a world of difference in helping a family in need.”
To see a list of Norfolk County food pantries, visit the Registry of Deeds website: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/support/FAQs/where-are-the-norfolk-county-food-pantry-locations-142. Donations are needed all year long.