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Run by the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force, the pantry is run entirely by volunteers. The pantry is currently gearing up for its Thanksgiving Food Drive, but they need help.
Melinda Lehman, president of the task force, said "This is the only food drive we officially do each year. We'll be having volunteers doing 90 minute shifts the weekend before Thanksgiving at three local supermarkets."
Shoppers will be given a list of recommended foods. Then, they can buy something extra to give to the pantry. Where the volunteers come in is delivering the goods to the pantry on Monday and sorting through it to get ready to be distributed.
The pantry normally gives out food to people living below federal poverty guidelines, homebound seniors, and people on disability. People come twice a month for groceries, and receive a bag of pre-packed shelved goods and fresh produce.
However, the holiday season is a little different.
"This time of year, our numbers skyrocket," Lehman said, "We usually serve 350 families each time we're open, but we're serving 390 right now. By Thanksgiving, it will have really peaked."
The pantry gives out Thanksgiving fixings, including turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and "all the things one would want for a Thanksgiving feast."
The pantry is completely privately funded. They currently bring in about 100 volunteers a weekend.
"The great thing about volunteering at the pantry is its something people of all ages can do together to help the community. It's a very special place for us," Lehman said, "It is wonderful to be involved in something where you get to see how much everyone cares about everyone else."
If you are interested, volunteers are need on Nov. 23 - 24 to collect, sort and load food. Shifts are 90 minutes long. Volunteers will also load the food that has been collected onto trucks.
The food drive locations are Stop & Shop on Boston Post Road in Larchmont, A& P on Mamaroneck Avenue in Mamaroneck, and ShopRite on Palmer Avenue in New Rochelle.
Volunteers are also needed on Monday, Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. - noon at the CAP Center, located at 134 Center Ave., in Mamaroneck, to unload the trucks and sort the collected food.
To volunteer, email the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@LMFoodPantry.org.
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