The Area Congregations Together “Valley Has A Heart” food drive did not meet goals to keep the food bank stocked until the spring.
Now the organizers are asking Valley residents to consider donating more food or money to help meet increased need this year.
About 40 volunteers and ACT staff were stationed at local Stop & Shops this weekend, collecting food and cash to help stock the shelves through the cold months.
They collected 31 cartloads of food and $1,510.
Last year, they got 85 cartloads of food and $2,235, according to a statement released by the organization Tuesday.
“We are always grateful for everything we receive during these drives, but as of now, we may not have enough food on hand to see those in need through to spring,” Susan Agamy, the executive director for ACT, said. “I suspect that the large increase in volunteers may have been because many of our previous contributors are out of work themselves, or have had their personal income drop this year. Perhaps, donating their time was the only appropriate contribution they could make for 2010.”
ACT is on track to serve at least 110,000 meals during 2010, according to the statement. In 2009 they served 104,000 meals and in 2008 64,000.
This year’s increase in the need for supplementary food supplies has come from people in all walks of life, especially those over age 55, families with one parent supporting children and individuals temporarily out of work, ACT Board Chairman Deborah Grisgraber said in the statement.
“If folks in the community missed us last Saturday, they can still help anytime,” Grisgraber said.
And there is another food drive coming up soon.
ACT will get matching donations during its drive for the Feinstein Grant challenge from March 1 through April 30.
How To Help
Checks can be made payable and mailed to: Area Congregations Together, Inc., Spooner House, 30 Todd Road, Shelton 06484.
Donations may also be made via PayPal by clicking on the Donate button on the website www.act-spooner.org. Deliveries of non-perishable food items are also accepted at the above location Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Donors may also call 203 – 225-0453 to set up a special time for non-perishable food delivery.
In Ansonia, donations for the ACT Food Bank may also be brought to the office at Christ Episcopal Church, 56 Cliff Street Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or call 203 – 734-2715 to arrange for drop offs at another time.
Non-profit Area Congregations Together was formed in 1979 to help fill gaps in the Lower Naugatuck Valley’s social service network. Today, ACT operates Spooner House, a facility that provides shelter to approximately 250 men, women and children each year. Spooner House is recognized as one of the most comprehensive emergency shelter programs in Connecticut.
The ACT Valley Food Bank Network provides a week’s supply of groceries each month to participating
families throughout the Naugatuck Valley. Last year, the Valley Food Bank provided more than 104,000 meals feeding more than 5,700 people, 2,148 of them children; and 35,187 meals to residents of the Spooner House.
ACT is devoted to helping clients establish self-sufficiency in an atmosphere of respect and dignity. Area Congregations Together, Inc. is a partner agency of the Valley United Way.
