Elms College Athletics Raises Over $1,000 for Open Pantry

CHICOPEE, Mass. – The Elms College athletics department through the coordination efforts of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) raised $1,165 which was donated to the Emergency Food Pantry – part of Open Pantry Community Services of Springfield, Mass.

Open Pantry's Emergency Food Pantry (EFP) has been providing non-perishable groceries for people in need since 1975. Both individuals and families in the Springfield area come to the EFP on an emergency basis.

Open Pantry Program Director Candace Larger received the check in person from the Elms SAAC members and explained to the group just how beneficial their generosity is.

From July 2012 to June 2013, the staff performed 17,135 service visits which in turn provided non-perishable food to 39,158 people, 41-percent of whom were children. Families comprise 48-percent of the people served and nearly half of all the food distributed is for children. Recipients may use this service up to six times a year. This number was increased from four to help meet the increasing needs of our community. Senior recipients may access the service 12 times a year.

For more information, please visit openpantry.org.