Brownies to Conduct Food Drive for Sturbridge Seniors
Brownie Troop 30426 will be conducting a Food Drive on behalf of Sturbridge seniors, at Shaw’s Supermarket on Saturday November 22, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., and at Stop & Shop on Sunday November 23, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Troop Leader Chris Ellithorpe indicated the troop’s desire to conduct a community-centered project that would benefit Sturbridge seniors, while cultivating the importance of compassion and empathy for our seniors among members of the troop.
The Brownies will be stationed at the entrance of the stores and will present flyers with suggested items that can be picked up by shoppers. As shoppers exit, they can deposit any food drive items into awaiting shopping carts, which will be manned by Brownies at the exits.
Donated items will then be sorted, bundled up into new reusable shopping bags, (which will have a holiday card attached), and distributed to Sturbridge seniors in need with the assistance of the REAS Foundation and the Senior Center.
This is a great opportunity for all of us to participate in a wonderful project developed by the Brownies, as a means of enhancing the important bond between seniors and our youth - a vital component to every community.
In advance of the “official” food drive dates, residents can get a head start by selecting items from the list below, and either setting them aside or contacting Chris Ellithorpe at 508-347-7734 or by email at rcellithorpe@yahoo.com for pick-up alternatives. Residents can also contact the REAS Foundation - 508-434-4614 or info@reasfoundation.org - and we’ll be glad to arrange for pick-ups.
Please consider donating a few of the items below for our seniors, whose daily struggles with energy, medical, and food costs will only escalate as the cold weather sets in. If our list is void of something you think nourishing, please feel free to add it.
Soups - like Progresso or any of the hearty meal type soups
Canned vegetables and fruits
Canned beans
Canned meats - tuna, chicken, etc.
Canned Beef Stew
Boxed pasta
Pasta Sauce (pre-made in jars)
Apple Sauce
Macaroni and cheese mixes (everybody loves Kraft Mac & Cheese; it even now comes in pre-portioned microwavable containers)
Pasta/rice mixes (the Uncle Ben’s 90-second microwavable bags are well portioned and convenient)
Rice (same as above)
Peanut butter (great source of protein and a real appetite pleaser)
Jams/jellies (helps to make that peanut butter even tastier)
Cereals - Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Kashi, etc.
Hot cereals - oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc.
Crackers
Bottled juices
Coffee/tea/hot chocolate
Your support will be most appreciated by those in need.