DERBY-SHELTON — One of the most successful food drives ever held by St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank on Saturday, 11/16/2025 at the Walmart in Shelton means that at least 5,000 meals will be available for in-need families that otherwise would not have access to a holiday meal this year.
Ten Coldwell Banker Agents and staff from the food pantry braved the cold weather on Saturday for a day-long food drive that saw shopper-after-shopper stop by the tables set up at each side of the store’s main entrance to drop off food and cash donations to support the food drive.
“We are so appreciative and filled with gratitude to all the great people of the Valley that came out to support our food drive on Saturday”, said John Izzo, a Coldwell Banker Agent and organizer of the event. Over 600 kind-hearted people donated a substantial amount of food and cash donations with several people advising that they made the trip specifically to donate to the food drive. “The turnout was phenomenal”, Izzo said. In fact, it was so successful that we are planning to make this an annual food drive at Walmart Shelton to be held just before Thanksgiving. In addition, we are planning one for Easter in the spring of 2026 as well, he said.
“A huge thank you to the big-hearted staff at Coldwell Banker for running a spectacular food drive to benefit our busy pantry and the Valley residents we serve”, said Remy Kocurek, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley. “The zest and passion they showed from the first flyer handed out to the last box of stuffing collected was contagious to all, she said. Shelton Walmart was welcoming and very supportive and the shoppers were so generous, she said.
“We are grateful to so many people who added us to their own shopping list as they strolled in on this cold, but sunny Saturday. There is so much good in the world”, Kocurek said.
“The need for nutritious meals for families in need this year is greater than we have seen in a long time”, said Aileen DeFeo, Senior Vice President, Coldwell Banker Orange and Woodbridge offices. As a company, we have a duty to support several worthy causes that benefit those in need and I am so proud and grateful to our agents who selflessly give of themselves to support such important events.”
Press release from John Izzo of Ansonia.