Give Back This Thanksgiving With The Wilmington Community Fund

WILMINGTON, MA — As the holiday season kicks into full gear, it's easy to get caught up in the shopping madness and chaos, but at the center of season is being thankful and giving back. What better way to make holiday memories with your family than by getting together and making a difference in your community.

The Greater Boston Food Bank estimates that more than 500,000 Eastern Massachusetts residents are at risk of going hungry during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year. The food insecurity rate in Massachusetts is 1 in 11, and 1 in 9 children live in food-insecure households.
The cost of food in Massachusetts is the highest in the country, according to "Map the Meal Gap 2018," the latest report by Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 US food banks.

While the holidays are a great time to give back and help, it's important to keep in mind that any food pantries need help and donations throughout the year so keep the giving spirit alive long after the holiday lights go out.

The Wilmington Food Pantry is stocked by community donations, which you can make on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. It's located at 142 Chestnut Street, Old South School House, Wilmington, MA 01887. You can also stop by to volunteer to help organize equipment. The pantry is looking for not just food but also paper products like toilet paper, paper towels and napkins.

The pantry will be open Monday, Nov.25 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for monthly and Thanksgiving food pick-up.

The Wilmington Community Fund, which runs the pantry, also has an annual tradition of selling pewter ornaments. 2019's ornament was recently unveiled, and is on sale for $10. They'll be for sale at the tree lighting on the common on Dec. 7, at the Festival of Trees at Villanova Hall, Dec. 7 and 8, and at Designs by Don on Main Street and the recreation department at Town Hall.

In addition, the fund coordinates a holiday program each year. You can sponsor a child and buy them gifts, or contribute to the general fund.

"On average, we assist over 60 Wilmington children annually through our holiday program," according to the fund.

Other pantries across the county are listed here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.