SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Local celebrities acted as bartenders Wednesday night to serve up more than just drinks, but hope for those who lack proper nutrition.
Hampden County Sheriff’s Office cuts budget, staff, services to address funding challenges amid fiscal crisis
As food insecurity remains a growing issue community leaders came together to show their support and help raise money for families and veterans in need.
A lineup of local celebrities poured and mixed drinks at the Student Prince & Fort restaurant in Springfield for a great cause. It was the Ludlow Public School Food Services Program first ever “Shamrock Share” fundraiser, which helps raise money for those facing food insecurity. More than 61,000 people are food insecure in Hampden County, according to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
“Our community, our neighbors. They’re suffering, they’re hurting. Prices are going up. People can’t afford to feed their families,” said the Director of Ludlow Public Schools’ Food Service Program, Kathleen Keady.
Keady, the force behind this fundraiser, is grateful for the community’s support. “It’s making my heart really full. it’s so incredible,” said Keady.
Half of the proceeds go into stocking food shelves at the Community Survival Center, which serves families in Ludlow, Hampden, Wilbraham, and the 16 Acres and Indian Orchard sections of Springfield. “People are struggling. And so, I think for them to know that they can come and get 40 pounds of food or whatever it is they get for how many family members they have, we’re meeting that need,” said the Community Survival Center Board President, Ron Hokanson.
The other half goes into supporting the Veteran Services of Ludlow. “Get them back integrated into the civilian world and also support them as they look for work or just in anything that they need to get them back to normalcy,” said Director of Veterans Services of Ludlow, Eric Segundo.
And the giving doesn’t stop at this event. Through March 28th, non-perishable food donations for both of these organizations can be made at collection boxes across several locations, including Ludlow public schools, Ludlow Big Y, Randall’s Farm, Luso Federal Credit Union, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, and Ludlow fire and police departments. “As soon as it comes in, it’s weighed then stacked, and it’s going back out the door the next day,” said Hokanson.
In addition to non-perishable food donations, unopened personal care items and paper products are also being collected. There will be a final collection in the front parking lot of the Ludlow High School on Saturday from noon to 2 PM.
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