Senator Farley To Host Collection Sites For Local Food Pantries

The holidays are approaching, a time when families gather around the table for reunions, celebrations and rejoicing. For some, this is a stressful time of year because they have a financial struggle and buying food, any time of the year, is terribly difficult. In the spirit of helping local groups, State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C - Schenectady) is offering his District Offices as collection sites for local food pantries throughout November and December.

"My Amsterdam office will be collecting donations on behalf of Montgomery County Catholic Charities and my Johnstown office will be collecting for St. John's Episcopal Church and the Council of Churches in Johnstown," Senator Farley said. "This way, all donations stay local."

These charities were chosen because the Council of Churches works closely with Fulton County Department of Social Services to determine needs throughout the entire county and St. John's stores the food. Montgomery County Catholic Charities' pantry serves roughly 150 people a week and this past summer, local media reported it had a food shortage and closed for six days.

"While six days may not seem like a long time, it is if you struggle to put food on the table every day," Senator Farley said.

Drop-off boxes for donations will be located at the Senator's offices at: 2430 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, NY; and City Hall, 33-41 E. Main St., Johnstown, NY. For more information, call the Amsterdam office at 843-2188 or the Johnstown office at 762-3733.

"If you would rather donate to a food pantry with which you are more familiar, I encourage you to do so," Senator Farley said.

The following is a shopping list for the food pantries: tuna fish, canned or dried soups, canned vegetables, canned or dried fruit, canned beef stew or beans, dry pasta and sauces, dry or evaporated milk, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, tea or coffee, cereal, personal hygiene products, band-aids, deodorant, tooth paste, diapers, and baby food.