Stamp Out Hunger 2022
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Letter Carriers, volunteers from local businesses and the Norwood Food Pantry unloaded and stacked almost 5,000 lbs of non-perishable food. Thank you so much to the Letter Carriers for running the 2022 drive!
Volunteer SpotlighT
The Norwood Food Pantry has many volunteers who make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. We are so grateful for the service they provide every day of the week, from answering phone calls, to picking up and dropping off food. We appreciate all of our volunteers, but there are a few who go above and beyond to serve our community.
Bruce Connolly of Norwood, Mass. was recognized for his volunteer efforts and a $10,000 donation was presented to the Norwood Food Pantry.
Bruce was one of the food pantry’s first volunteers when they started serving six local families. Now – 32 years later – Bruce remains active with the nonprofit, helping to serve more than 350 families in need.
Known as the Energizer Bunny, Bruce has worn every hat for the organization, volunteering up to 7 days a week to serve families in need. As the supply and rotation manager, he makes sure that donations are being sorted, rotated and distributed.
“I’m honored to be the recipient of the Myra Kraft Community MVP Award,” said Bruce. “I accept it on behalf of the Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood, and of the many past and present volunteers, who through their houses of worship, or individually, have given of their time and energy, to assist the people of Norwood who are served by the food pantry.”
Bruce Connolly (right) receiving the Myra Kraft Community MVP Award from Robert Kraft (left). Photo courtesy of Myra Kraft Community MVP Award.
Bruce Connolly Receives MVP Award
Remembering Ruth Taeger
Ruth Taeger volunteered at the Norwood Food Pantry for 26 years and was our executive director for 19 of those years. Under her direction, Ruth expanded the Food Pantry by connecting with local businesses to increase weekly choices including fresh produce, meat and dairy. Ruth would oversee the all of the pantry operations including making sure volunteers were available, taking stock of food supplies and ordering with partners like the Boston Food Bank. She ensured the smooth operations every Saturday morning, giving up half of her weekend 19 years.
Ruth also spent a lot of time on the phone- answering questions from clients, donors and potential volunteers. The Norwood Food Pantry relies heavily on youth volunteers, to assist with carrying bags to cars and helping pack bags for homebound clients. She would line up groups from boy scouts to high school students looking for senior credits. Ruth touched the lives of many individuals throughout the years, and her service to Norwood will continue to have far reaching effects. At her retirement Ruth said. “I have enjoyed the pantry. It is the greatest thing I ever got involved with.”
Thank you Ruth, for changing many lives in the town of Norwood.
9/23/33- 7-14-2021