Donor will match $2,000 for food pantry

By Penny Williams
Staff writer

May 13, 2008 05:55 am

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SANDOWN — An anonymous donor will match up to $2,000 in donations to the Sandown Food Pantry.

Eleanor Bassett, who runs the pantry, said they are about three-quarters of the way toward that goal, which much be reached before June 1.

"People, some new to Sandown, have donated and told me they didn't even know the food pantry existed," she said. "There has been an outpouring of food donations dropped off at the food pantry and both schools held a food drive that was tremendous. This month the library is accepting 'Food for Fines.'"

The Sandown Food Pantry began in St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, moved to a closet in Town Hall in 2002 and is now in its own small building across from Town Hall. Construction of the building was an Eagle Scout Project in 2005.

As the economy has worsened it has become even more difficult to keep the shelves filled. She said the pantry has a real need for paper products.

"We've lost several families from Sandown that we helped, people that for economic reasons had to move, but we've gained some families, one a family with seven children that need our assistance," Bassett said. "We are also seeing more seniors needing help."

Resident Karl Bornelle put boxes to collect monetary donations for the food pantry at strategic locations throughout town, including Jack's, The Coffee Connection and Town Hall.

"These have been doing really well," Bassett said. "He picks up the money and brings me about $30 to $40 every week."

The Sandown Food pantry is open Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m.

Want to help?

r Send a check to: Sandown Food Pantry, PO Box 5, in care of Eleanor Bassett, Sandown, 03873.

r Put money in a collection box at Jack's, The Coffee Connection, Town Hall.

r Bring food or paper goods to Town Hall. There is a box just inside the front door.