Softball Team Collects 402 Jars of PB and J to Kick Off Food Drive
Waterbury, CT – Post Universities Softball team recently participated in the United Way of Greater Waterbury’s “Stock the Pantry” food drive. The drive will benefit children throughout the summer months when they can not eat lunch at school and will conclude on June 19th.
"I am extremely pleased with the effort that our coaching staff and softball players put into this great cause," said Post University Athletic Director Anthony Fallacaro. "Giving back and being active in the community plays an essential part in the growth of our student-athletes. This project had a positive impact on the greater Waterbury community and taught our students-athletes that they can make a difference when they work together with a specific goal in mind.”
During the summer months the need for peanut butter, jelly, and fluff increases while school children are at home.
“Our girls recognized an apparent need in the community and stepped up to make a difference,” said Softball Coach Tracey Garofalo. “The effort put into this project shows the spirit of Post’s student-athletes and their dedication to a cause. It is the same attitude that makes them successful in the classroom and on the field.”
The food drive will run from May through June, culminating on United Way’s Day of Action, Friday, June 19, 2009, at which time the total amount of food raised by weight will be announced to the media, focusing attention on the growing needs of those experiencing hunger and how taking decisive action as a community can make a difference.
Local soup kitchens and food pantries are reporting increased requests for services as a result of the economic downturn, seeing new faces that have never had to reach out for help before. Combined with low-income families who lose access to school lunches and breakfasts in the summer, inventories can be quickly overwhelmed as families try to fill the gap.
Last year’s Stock the Pantry was a great success. 36 local companies showed what it means to LIVE UNITED by contributing over 5,000 pounds of tuna, cereal, beef stew, peanut butter and jelly. This generosity provided 3,846 meals throughout the summer months!