CHICOPEE — The city of Chicopee announced a citywide food drive in partnership with Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry on Thursday, Nov. 21 and Friday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 650 Memorial Dr.
The goal is to fill two emergency management trailers with non-perishables and the city is calling on the entire Chicopee community to come together for this amazing cause.
Some items that are recommended to donate because of their need include peanut butter, jelly and canned goods but every contribution counts.
Business owners were also encouraged to start their own collection drive at their respective establishment and contact Lorraine’s to arrange a pickup when its ready.
Big Y has also partnered with this initiative and residents can drop off donations at their designated collection area in the side parking lot facing Metro Jeep Dealership, near the four-way stop sign, the day of the event.
First responders and volunteers will be on-site to assist.
Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry is a nonprofit that provides pantry food and hot meals to residents. In addition to meal and food pantry services, Lorraine’s also offers Christmas meals, pop-up pantries, free monthly health clinics, social services regularly and accepts donations.
Lorraine’s Board of Directors President Donna Marratta talked about the partnership and said, “[it’s] wonderful to have the continued support of the city.”
The food will be distributed to families who come to Lorraine’s or its mobile locations.
With the holidays and winter months coming up, Marratta talked about the increased importance of donations during the time to help those in need.
She said, “The winter months are tougher for families now having an extra bill for heating along with food and all the other expenses.”
In terms of helping out with the upcoming event or how people can help, Marratta said, “monetary donations or food, by donating to Lorraine’s either by this drive or directly to us. Hungry never takes a holiday, food is needed year-round.”
Lorraine’s operates a mobile food pantry that originally debuted at the end of 2021.
Volunteers and cooking teams are always welcomed, according to Marratta.
For more information on the event or Lorraine’s itself, readers can visit lorrainessoupkitchen.com.
