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Philipstown Food Pantry Releases 2006 Annual Report
The Philipstown Food Pantry was begun nearly 20 years ago by the Philipstown Clergy Association as a joint mission project of all of the churches in Philipstown. The Board of Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church in Cold Spring agreed to organize and operate the Food Pantry, and opened it to residents in need on Saturdays from 9 - 10am. There are now 29 families registered at the Food Pantry, which includes 12 new families in 2006; over 1,200 bags of groceries were given out over the past year. There are those who come regularly every week, and others who've come for a short period of time when circumstances were difficult, as could happen to any of us at any time.
The Philipstown Food Pantry also supports the Lunchtime Feeding Program in Peekskill, a Soup Kitchen sponsored by the Peekskill Area Pastors' Association. This program is run out of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and First Presbyterian prepares hot lunches for approximately 75 - 80 people twice a month under the direction of Ron Sopyla.
The Philipstown Food Pantry depends on the generosity of local residents, churches and organizations to maintain adequate food supplies for the families who come.
In December, Food Pantry volunteers Jackie Sammon and Mike Tully joined representatives from the five other Putnam County food pantries and Putnam CAP at a meeting organized by State Senator Vincent Leibell to discuss issues of hunger in the County, and how the food pantries might better coordinate their efforts. At this initial meeting, numerous ideas and suggestions were put forward, and there will be further discussions in the coming year.
Mayor Anthony Philips, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, was instrumental in obtaining a large donation of delightful toys for the Food Pantry at Christmastime through his work with the Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" Program. He was assisted in his efforts by Dan Dillon of the Knights of Columbus.
Under an innovative Venison Donation Program begun in 2003 and currently under the supervision of the Garrison Fish and Game Club, and with the assistance of Chris Golde, the Food Pantry was able to give out more than 100 lbs. of venison over the past year. The program has been especially well received by those with medical conditions that preclude them from eating beef or those on special diets. Others just simply enjoy eating it!
The Salvation Army of Greater New York again this year sponsored the Food Pantry's membership in the Regional Food Bank, and delivered more than 300 of pounds of food to the Food Pantry in 2006.
Foodtown in Cold Spring has generously provided the Philipstown Food Pantry with turkeys, roasting chickens and hams for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holidays. Additionally, many shoppers generously donated their "free" turkeys and hams.
Additionally, the Food Pantry is now a participant under the "Community Rewards Program" with Foodtown and S&H Greenpoints. Under this program, Foodtown shoppers can donate their "points" to the Food Pantry. This is how it works: Just tell the cashier that you want your points to go to the Philipstown Food Pantry. Every time you donate your points to the Food Pantry, 500 S&H Greenpoints will be donated. You may ask the cashier to scan the card as many times as you like. Every time your card is scanned, another 500 Greenpoints will be donated. In 2006, more than 1,200,000 points were donated to the Food Pantry by Foodtown shoppers!
Also generously contributing to our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals this year was the Philipstown Farm Market (on Rt. 9), which provided all types of vegetables and fruits for our families.
At Christmastime, Capuchin Youth & Family Ministries joined with Outward Bound in donating beautiful hats and gloves; Sharon Zeien, Kendra Zeien, Maia Gallagher, and Rachel Ritacco baked and artfully decorated delicious cookies for us.
Another local business, Grey Printing, contributed to the Food Pantry through cash donations from customers, and also helped with Foodtown food drives (organized by owner Sharon Zeien).
The DP Mart in Cold Spring helped by providing day-old rolls and bread every Saturday morning, which were picked up by one of our volunteers.
The Food Pantry is now picking up day old bakery goods and produce from Stop 'n Shop in Peekskill under the organization of Mike Tully and his hard-working team of volunteers: Dan Dillon, Mike Bell, Andrea Bach, Paul Lansdale, Jeff Toland, Susan Jordan, and Giom Grech. This unique opportunity came about through the help and generosity of Christen Erickson, daughter-inlaw of the late Glen Erickson of Garrison, who initiated and coordinated our efforts with Stop 'n Shop.
A very successful Pancake Breakfast fundraiser, sponsored by the Garrison Ambulance Corps, was held in December at Greymoor to benefit the Cold Spring Lions Club, Children's Holiday Wish List, and the Philipstown Food Pantry.
The local churches gave invaluable help and support in 2006 as well: the many volunteers at First Presbyterian Church, which manages the Philipstown Food Pantry, Lady of Loretto Parish and the Knights of Columbus who made monthly food donations, the local Methodist Churches who generously donated winter coats, and other churches who made generous financial and food donations: The Episcopal Churches, Cold Spring Baptist, and Philipstown Reform Synagogue.
If you are an individual, business, organization or church that would like to organize a food collection drive for the Philipstown Food Pantry, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact us through the First Presbyterian Church at 265-3220, or call Jackie Sammon, Coordinator of the Food Pantry, at 265-6031. They will be happy to work with you and provide you with a copy of their latest Food Pantry Shopping List.
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