LAWRENCE — At this time last year, Lazarus House was distributing 31âÑ2 tons of donated food a week to families in need.
This year, the agency is handing out 8 tons a week.
It's an enormous effort that reflects an enormous need today in the Merrimack Valley.
For that reason, the Lawrencians Giving Thanks food drive hopes to collect more food and money than ever before.
"We've already surpassed what we did last year," said Mayor Michael Sullivan. "We know we are going to feed a lot of people."
The annual food drive kicked off yesterday morning at City Hall. But even before its official start, more than $5,000 in food and money had been donated by local businesses, Sullivan said.
Enel Corp. and Patriot Ambulance Service each gave $1,000 and Sal Lupoli, owner of Salvatore's restaurant and Riverwalk industries, donated enough food to feed a meal to 3,000 people.
Gifts of money also came from the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, the Yepez family, TEC/Kodiak, Allied Waste Services, Coady's Towing, Sheehan's Towing, Michael Tarshi and the NESC Credit Union.
"We are very grateful for everyone that helps," said H. Bridget Shaheen, executive director of Lazarus House.
Linda Zimmerman of Neighbors in Need agreed, saying, "There's nothing better than being able to be the person who connects the people that want to give."
All donations will benefit Lazarus House, Daybreak Shelter, Bread and Roses, Neighbors in Need, Cor Unum meal center and the Salvation Army.
David Burke, a well-known city Irishman, who died in May from complications with cancer, started the food drive in 2001.
Sullivan said he hopes Burke will always be memorialized with the food drive.
Donations of nonperishables, such as pasta, rice, canned goods and cereal, may be left at City Hall, the Senior Center and Lawrence Public Library.
People may also give $15 for Colony Foods to donate a turkey to the cause. The money can be left or sent to the mayor's office. For information, call the mayor's office at 978-620-3010.
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