Fathers Making Sure Kids Get Fed. Not Their Kids, Just Kids

Stonington highway department crew member Dan Oliverio brought the idea "to the guys three years ago and everyone was very interested." 

"They thought it was a great idea. So this is our third year of doing the food drive the day before Father's Day and it's been great," said the 10-year veteran of the town and father of two from Pawcatuck.

Oliverio and a number of highway department workers camped out in front of Stop & Shop last Saturday in an effort to collect food for the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center as part of Hunger Awareness Month.

"When we found out we'd be collecting food for kids especially, that was even better," he said. 

The workers collected canned and boxed goods to fill the Weekender Backpack program bags for kids that may not have enough food to eat when not in school. And they managed to collect nearly a whole truck full of food. Oliverio said a Patch story helped get the word out.

"People told us they saw it and came specifically to help out," he said. 

Oliverio was joined by fellow highway workers John O'Connell, Steve McNair, Victor Lima, Steve Burdick and, he said, First Selectman Edward Haberek "stopped by and stayed with us for awhile."

"We had a great time and if we helped feed some kids, even better."