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Food pantries can use not just food, but help

    When I read Steven Cook’s Aug. 29 article, “Food pantry giveaway draws crowd,” I was pleased that the food pantry had received attention.
    The food pantry provides a service that helps people stay on their feet despite the declining economy. In the article, [SICM food program director Gail] Van Valkenburgh mentioned that more and more people (100 new families every month) are using the services provided by the food pantry.
I would urge people to help support their local food pantries if they can. While I have never helped at the food pantry, I have volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (which can be reached at 786-3691). A day at the food bank generally consists of sorting donated goods into boxes. It is a good place to do community service if you feel like giving back to the community.
WILLIAM ANDERSON
Niskayuna
This writer is senior patrol leader of Boy Scout Troop 34.

Don't forget that just before Thanksgiving comes, Concerned for the Hungry also does their baskets that they give out.

Maybe we also need to be reminded that it's not only during the holidays that the Pantries and Concerned for the Hungry need our help - it's all year.  They do a LOT of good in our communities ... we need to support them year round.

Agreed, MT.  There's been a few times that I worked at the CFH and I suggested that they do it at other times in the year.  It's a no-go so far, but maybe some time in the future. I know that it's got to be a lot of work, besides the fact that they seem to be constantly looking for new places to do it lately.