Otis Food Pantry: Thank You to the Many Hands Keeping Our Mission Strong

By Terry Gould

August 2026

By Terry Gould

As everyone begins to think about getting children back to school and hanging on to those last sweatshirt evenings and a s’more or two, it's a good time to look around and take stock of our town and the ways in which people keep us vital and relevant. Otis is a place where people take care of one another; quietly and respectfully. If someone sees a need, they step up and lean in. The Otis Food Pantry has benefited from this care and generosity for six years and we are humbled and so very grateful.

The 4th annual Lemonade Stand staffed by young people raised funds for the Sissy Curtin Memorial fund, Smile Like Jack and the Otis Food Pantry. We can't thank Brooke, Tyler, Carson and Colbie Tonlino, and Sophie Hyland, Riley and Jack Ryan and their families enough. Also, a shout out to Jake's Blueberry Hill Farm for providing the safe location for the event. Community service and the best lemonade and donuts around!

The Community Day hosted by Otis Ridge Ski Area and Garden shop was very successful. Wonderful weather, local entertainment, and food. The event involved town organizations, the Farmington River Regional School and PTA, local vendors, and our amazing town businesses.

July 11 marked the 5th annual Smile Like Jack 5K/10K Fun Run and Walk event. This event has truly grown into a community wide event that has united the town and businesses in the most vital way. The Smile Like Jack Foundation supports our Food Pantry throughout the year.

Tom Soules and Amvets are planning a US 250th celebration for August 8. Look for updates in this issue of the Observer.

Collections for the Otis Police Department School Supply Drive have begun, with drop-off locations at Otis Town Hall, Papa's Food and Fuel, the Sandisfield Library, and Town Hall now through August 12. The Food Pantry will take part as well and provide school snacks at distribution on August 21 from 4-6pm and August 24 from noon to 2pm at the Otis Town Hall. Flyers have been popping up all over town and on social media. Tell your friends! Who doesn't love a walk through the school supply aisle?

The Otis Fire/EMS Annual Steak Roast is scheduled for August 22. This is a wonderful annual community event and delicious as well.

The Otis Food Pantry has truly become a community family for everyone. Our local gardeners and community gardeners who remember their neighbors every week by sharing their harvests with us. Shout out to Steven H. who began showing up with the most amazing greens early in June! And to Sue and Jim sharing early rhubarb with the pantry as well. The community gardeners followed in the next week. By the time this goes to press we may have already seen more of our local gardeners and our patrons sharing as well.

In addition to all the great things you are reading here, there is a network of private citizens and businesspeople who regularly donate to the pantry through monetary donations and pickup trucks full of food. Our blue box is a magical portal that regularly seems to provide just what we need on any given week.

Thank you to our volunteers who show up to keep everything running smoothly: Residents and guests remembering the pantry when they grocery shop, and the behind-the-scenes volunteers who keep shelves stocked, picking up and delivering baked goods, dairy, and produce without fail. The Town Hall and Staff have all become integral parts of the pantry, allowing us to be guests in their space and helping every week.

I probably missed something and sincerely apologize if I did. Otis is an amazing and vital community, and the Otis Food Pantry is proud and grateful to be a small part of it. Thank you, everyone.

The Otis Food Pantry regularly sees approximately 50 or more households which number over 100 individuals each week. Without the support of every member of our community and our generous businesses and organizations we could not continue. Non-perishable donations may be dropped off at the back door of Otis Town Hall anytime and placed in the big blue safe box. We check it every day.

Monetary donations may be sent to the Otis Food Pantry, c/o M.K. Pinkham, PO Box 271, Otis, MA 01253. Follow us on Facebook at Otis Food Pantry. Our email is otisfoodpantry@gmail.com. 

The Otis Food Pantry is grateful for your continued support!