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JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) – An annual three day food drive to benefit one of Jamestown’s largest soup kitchens is kicking off next week.
Their 10th year gathering donations, organizers Keith Martin and Cherie Rowland are accepting donations; they have gathered more and more every year.
“We’re excited for what’s going to happen December 15th, 16th, and 17th,” explained Martin. “Our community is so wonderful, they’ve supported us for nine years now, and the 10th year is going to be the best ever.”
Since their collection efforts last year, due to inflation, the price of food has risen. Ultimately leading to more of a need at the soup kitchen.
“Inflation is hitting us all very hard,“ stated Rowland. “Just like our own households, we’re seeing that at St Susan’s Center, and I feel it might be an impact, but the Jamestown community is such an awesome community and they have done so much for the St Susan’s Center over the past 35 years.”
Even with this obstacle, organizers are still hopeful for the generous Jamestown community to turn out.
“If we can do one dollar more and we can do one pound more, we’ve done something very special,” explained Martin. “But whatever we bring in those three days will be more than what St Susan’s had today.”
Currently the St. Susan Center is on track to serve over 34,000 meals for the 2022 year, with an average of 120 meals each day. A 15 percent increase from last year.
The group will start accepting donations December 15 and 16 from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday December 17 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. where they will then drive the donations to the soup kitchen.
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