Tri-Town Issues Call for Volunteers at North Providence Site

JOHNSTON – With the expected move of the agency’s emergency services to its facility on Emanuel Street in North Providence, Tri-Town Community Action is seeking teams of volunteers who can make ongoing commitments to support its food distribution program.

“What we’re hoping to get are local groups like parent-teacher organizations and able-bodied individuals who can lend their efforts beyond just a one-time opportunity,” explained Joe DeSantis, CEO of Tri-Town. “Our food distribution program is helping more and more local families, and that means we need more volunteers to help us respond to that need.”

Volunteers will be interviewed by Tri-Town staff and be required to undergo a physical exam and a BCI review to participate, DeSantis said, adding that Tri-Town will cover any costs for the background checks.

“Right now, we’re storing our food – and the tables and chairs needed for the distribution program – in an oversized closet, which means our staff has to set up and break down three times a month,” DeSantis explained. “Once we complete the move to Emanuel Street, we’re going to be able to keep the distribution program in one place, and we’ll have the ability to expand the hours if we see the need increase further.”

Currently, the Community Center on Maple Avenue hosts food distribution from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first three Wednesdays of every month.

If you’re a member or know of a local organization who may be interested in helping out, contact Tri-Town at (401) 519-1900.