Our Lady’s Pantry needs a new refrigerated truck!  Can you help?

Ronda O’Farrell is one of six volunteers recently recruited by the Pantry to write grant applications to philanthropic groups requesting monies toward this truck.  She thought first, however, to appeal to local readers.

“This goal is such a reasonable one,” O’Farrell says.  “Our Lady’s Pantry needs a new truck.  It costs $99,000.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Feeding Tampa Bay require that food be transported in a refrigerated truck, which is why it is so expensive.  The Pantry already has two used trucks, but the oldest one is a 2006 truck with more than 260,000 miles, and it’s expensive to maintain.

According to O’Farrell, Pantry volunteers are driving just about every day of the week picking up food from all over the County.  Food is purchased from Feeding Tampa Bay, and is donated by Aldi’s, Big Lots, Costco, Panera, Publix, Sam’s Club, Save-A-Lot, Winn Dixie, and others.

“I believe in the power of each of you to help us reach this goal,” says O’Farrell.  “A few dollars from many people would make this work.  Publix Charities has already donated $3,000 toward our truck, so just $90,000⁺ to go.

“And no gift is too small.  It all adds up.

“Kindly send any donation to Our Lady’s Pantry; 16650 U.S. Highway 301 South; Wimauma, Fl. 33598,” says O’Farrell.  “And please designate that we may use this donation specifically for our truck.  Thanks so much!”

To learn more about the Pantry please visit us at:  https://www.ourladyspantry.com