Published April 1, 2021
NORTH READING — Sarah Pastore, a fourth-grader at the E. Ethel Little School, took the initiative a few weeks ago to create a flyer asking her neighbors to consider making a donation to the North Reading Food Pantry.
She then drew a sign and taped it to a red bin left on her front porch on Kristyn Lane so that folks could drop by to put their donations in the bin from March 5 – 21. She included a list of the most sought-after items for the pantry as well as the pantry’s website (www.nrfoodpantry.org/donate-1) where her neighbors could learn more about the pantry.
Sarah, who is 10, belongs to Girl Scout Troop 62548. During a recent troop hike their troop leader, Jo Gibson, encouraged the girls to gather up any donations from their homes and bring them to the next troop meeting in support of the North Reading Food Pantry.
Normally the troop would be allowed to collect food donations at their elementary schools but due to COVID this is not able to occur. Therefore, Sarah thought of making a flyer and walking around her neighborhood where she put them in 60 mailboxes. Her effort resulted in a large number of neighbors dropping off their food donations as well as monetary donations, all of which she brought to the North Reading Food Pantry on Friday, March 26.
One of her neighbors, Mary Ann Thomas, got the flyer in her mailbox and was able to include information about Sarah’s drive in the weekly church bulletin for St. Theresa’s church which in turn has resulted in even more donations.
Sarah is so appreciative of everyone in the North Reading community for coming together during this very difficult time and helping others in need.
Food Pantry wish list
For those who would like to donate to the Food Pantry, the most needed items include: Beef and vegetable broth; hearty stews and chowders; chili; white tuna, sardines, clams; gravy — all types; large canned tomato products — whole, crushed, ground, etc.; black tea bags; hot chocolate; instant oatmeal and cream of wheat; side dishes (rice and pasta, i.e. Knorr/Rice-a-Roni); spaghetti sauce (jars); salad dressing; vegetable oil; kids’ school snacks (granola bars, fruit cups, Cheez-its, etc); juice boxes; chocolate chips; frosting; boxes of pudding and jello; napkins and tissues; shampoo; glass cleaner; and all purpose cleaner.
