On Sunday, July 20, I will be swimming, biking, and running in the Appleman Triathlon in Littleton. This is a great local event supported by many local companies and individuals. In order to maximize my commitment to training, I had the idea to compete in the Appleman while raising much-needed funds for a local charity. I chose to work with Loaves & Fishes, the largest food pantry in North Central Massachusetts, which provides food, clothing, referrals, and emergency services to more than 400 families each month. These difficult economic times have greatly affected an increasing number of families in the Nashoba Valley region. Loaves & Fishes has seen the number of clients increase by more than 10 percent from a year ago.
I am planning on personally matching all monetary donations to Loaves & Fishes up to $2,500 for funds donated by July 15. The pantry and its volunteers are working especially hard this year. More and more people are turning to Loaves & Fishes for assistance because the increase in fuel, utility, and food costs squeezes their already-tight budget. Knowing how the pantry operates, I can attest that gifts will be stretched as far is they can possibly go.
I encourage readers to consider making a tax-deductible donation to Loaves & Fishes by July 15, to challenge me to succeed in my training to run the Appleman Triathlon, and to help families in need in the Nashoba Valley region.
To make a donation, send a check to Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Inc., P.O. Box 1, Ayer, MA 01430, and mark “Appleman” in the note area. Or go online to www.devenspantry.org and make a donation to General Pantry Operations through PayPal.
Steve Roach, CEO
Nashoba Valley Medical Center
