The
Franklin Food Elves did it again! The final donation numbers are in, and the
Elves are pleased to announce that the “12 Days of Donating” Campaign has
collected more than four tons (or 8,001 pounds) of goods, and more than $11,000
for the Franklin Food Pantry.
These
numbers beat last year’s record totals by more than 1,500 pounds of food, and
nearly $3,000. The success was due to the hard work of more than 120 Food
Elves, along with tremendous support from the community and local businesses.
The Food Elves, increasing by 35 elves this year, has grown every year in
popularity among local elementary, middle and high school students.
As
the Food Elves canvassed local neighborhoods for food and monetary donations,
Franklin businesses did their part by placing donation bins at their locations
and pledging cash donations to support the cause. Those businesses included Chestnut
Dental Associates, DCU, Dean Bank, Dean College, Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, Franklin
Downtown Partnership Office, Jane’s Frames, Keefe Insurance Agency, Murphy
Business, Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, SELF Aesthetics and Therapeutic
Specialists, Medical Spa and The Adirondack Club.
“We are
overwhelmed by the amount of support we received this year from the Franklin
Food Elves, member businesses of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, and our
community,” said Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry.
“Thanks to the hard work of the Food Elves, we will be able to continue helping
our families who are struggling to put food on their tables.”
For the
first time, the Food Elves gave residents the option of making monetary
donations in addition to, or in lieu of, food. Monetary gifts allow the Pantry
to supplement food donations with more nutritious and fresh food, such as
fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meats.
“The
response was incredible,” said Lynch. “Not only did we break all records in the
amount of food we received, we are able to supplement the nonperishable
donations with fresh, protein-rich and nutritious foods. We could not be more
grateful.”
For more information about the Food Elves and the "12 Days of Donating" Campaign, please contact the Food Elves at franklinfoodelves@yahoo.com.
