Our Lady’s Pantry receives $3,000 gift from Publix Super Market Charities!

“For many years, Publix has been a key supporter of Our Lady’s Pantry,” says director Tom Bullaro.  “We have just learned from Kelly Williams-Puccio, executive director of Publix Charities, that we have been approved for $3,000 to be used towards the purchase of a new refrigerated truck. 

“In addition to providing us with shopping carts overflowing with groceries to share with our clients each and every week, Publix has helped us in countless ways behind the scenes.”

Thinking back, Bullaro remembers earlier donations from Publix Charities . . .

• Helped convert an open portico into an enclosed air conditioned space with electricity for our freezer.
• Provided shelving for food.
• Helped convert a semi-trailer into a walk-in-cooler.
• Provided funding towards our first refrigerated truck.
• Provided an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the safety of our volunteers and clients in case of emergency.
• Provided portable conveyor rollers for throughout the Pantry.  These roller facilitate moving an estimated four tons of food each week so much easier.  They also enhance the safety of our volunteers, whose average age is 72. 

“Each of these donations has enabled us in one way ot another to keep our doors open for 20 years,” says Bullaro.  “With the help of Publix, we have been better able to fight hunger in our little corner of the world.

“This donation of $3,000 is our first gift towards a new refrigerated truck we hope to purchase one day.  The new truck is on our wish list to replace our oldest used 2006 truck with more than 260,000 miles."

“Thank you Publix Super Market Charities, again, for all you do for us.”