Otis Food Pantry Update

By Terry Gould

March 2025

With spring just a few weeks away, the sun brighter, and days a little longer, everyone seems lighter. We are seeing more smiles at the pantry. It has been a very busy winter for the Otis Food Pantry. More families have been stopping in. With that we have also experienced amazing generosity from our community. The shelves benefit from the lists we send out via Facebook and email, and we have hopefully been able to meet the needs of everyone who visits us.

As I write this, two recent things come to mind. First, that no matter how far away someone is, they can be touched by a post. A dear friend from childhood, a lifetime ago, saw our pantry list one week and immediately arranged to have a donation shipped directly to us. Two thousand miles away did not change the thoughtfulness of this lovely person. Thank you, Donna, for reminding me that neighbors do not have to live next door.

And second, also from a neighbor from here and away, thank you Don and Tracy for filling up your pickup truck with non-perishables and delivering to the pantry. Winter is the time when our families look for comfort foods. The non-perishable shelves are often sparse by the close of day on Wednesdays. Thank you for your kindness and care.

We are looking forward to moving parts of the pantry back outside, relieving congestion in the hallway and kitchen space. Hoping for warm sunshine and fresh beginnings. As always, the blue safe box is available for donations 24/7. The box is regularly checked by volunteers and items are brought into the pantry.

Monetary donations may be sent to: Otis Food Pantry, c/o MK Pinkham, P.O. Box 271, Otis, MA 01253. Monetary donations are used to purchase meat and cheese each week and to cover non-perishable purchases. We periodically post lists on our Facebook page and Arlene's Elves receive email blasts as well. Our community is generous and kind, and we are grateful for everyone.

Happy Spring.