Members of Knights of Columbus Council 3501 in Middletown, left, present a check to staff members of the Middletown Interfaith Food Pantry to purchase two new freezers and a selection of food items.An annual food drive for a local food pantry in Lent turned into a much larger initiative on the part of Knights of Columbus Council 3501 in Middletown. After the council conducted its annual 40 Cans for 40 Days of Lent program, they were able to deliver 2,850 pounds of non-perishable food to the Middletown Interfaith Food Pantry. Over the past eight years, the pantry has given more than 20,000 pounds of food to those who may not know where their next meal may come from.
While making a food delivery, the Knights learned from pantry volunteers that one of its aging freezers was broken beyond repair. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Council 3501 launched a campaign to raise awareness and funds for a new freezer. Through social media outreach and with a boost from a local news station, the hope was to engage local businesses, residents and other organizations for support.
“Our mission is to help those in need, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our values,” said Council program director Matthew Sheaffer. “We believe that by working together we can ensure that the pantry continues to serve our community effectively.”
Although the initial goal was to raise $900, the pantry received over $5,000 in donations, including a matching amount of $300 from Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish and Council 3501. Thanks to the outpouring of community support, the pantry was able to replace its aging freezer system with two brand new freezers. The monetary donations also provided miscellaneous food items to help keep the pantry’s shelves well stocked.
“This donation has had an immediate and profound impact on our operation,” said pantry director Betsy Mauger. “With new freezers and food items, we will help better serve our community and the growing needs of local families.
According to Father Timothy Sahd, pastor of Seven Sorrows Parish, “This initiative underscores the Knights’ dedication to serving our local community. By working alongside organizations like the Middletown Interfaith Food Pantry, the Knights aim to alleviate hardship and promote food security for all.”
(Article and photo courtesy of Council 3501.)
