By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
With millions across the country out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, food pantries find themselves with a far greater number of people in need.
The increased demand has emptied the shelves at times, resulting in support and donations to help replenish them. Recently, Grace Episcopal Church Treasurer Robert Dorn applied for and received a $5,000 grant from the Episcopal Diocese.
“There’s a lot of families right now that are hurting,” said Dorn.
Some of the money will be used to purchase clothing and school supplies for families in need, said Dorn. It’s something the parish does annually, along with helping the food pantries with monetary or food donations. Of the money received, $3,500 will help the Fuel for the Weekend program, which is managed by Sarah Stone. The organization was started to help Community School families and quickly expanded once the pandemic started.
In addition, $500 has been earmarked for Lenore’s Pantry, which Dorn said Grace Church has supported for many years by regular monthly non-perishable food donations as well as annual cash donations. Finally, $1000 will be distributed by Grace to other families in need within the Grace Episcopal Church Family and others. The grant was donated through The Case Trust, left by the Case family of Swansea. The trust provides funds to support the diocesan mission in the Episcopal parishes of Bristol County.
“We know it goes right to the people,” said Dorn. “When you can do something like that, that’s event better.”
