Task Force to host Dinner Box collection

Thursday, 05 November 2009 11:26

The Save Our Stepney Task Force, in conjunction with the Monroe Food Pantry has organized a Thanksgiving Dinner Collection Drive for Monroe families Nov. 14 and is a asking for donations of bags of non-perishable food.

The Monroe Food Pantry will package the bags of donated food and distribute 100 plus Thanksgiving dinner boxes that include all the ingredients including a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.

“With current economic conditions, requests by Monroe families for food have increased by 40% this past year,” said Pam Nicotera, Monroe Food Pantry coordinator. “We will begin distributing Thanksgiving boxes on November 16 so every family that has registered with us will be able enjoy a delicious meal to celebrate the day.”

The Save Our Stepney Task Force is asking areas residents to donate a bag of non-perishable items to include stuffing, gravy mix, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, and other side dishes to feed a family of four.

The Monroe Food pantry will provide a turkey, bread and other perishables to be included in the Thanksgiving boxes. SOS will collect the food bags for the Thanksgiving dinner boxes on Saturday, Nov. the 14 on the Stepney Green from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SOS has asked area restaurants to join in making the 100 plus Thanksgiving Dinner Boxes possible.

“Our restaurant partners will ask patrons if they would be willing to donate a few dollars for the Monroe food pantry to purchase turkeys, breads, milk, eggs, desserts and other perishables to be included in the 100 Thanksgiving Dinner boxes”, said Lee Hossler, Food Drive Organizer.

According to Hossler, during the weekend of Nov. 13-16, patrons of select restaurants will receive envelops marked “Thanksgiving Dinner Box” with their dinner bill.

Participating Stepney restaurants are: Roberto’s Restaurant, Jule’s Mediterranean Cuisine, El Coyote Restaurant, The Rustic Grille, Vazzy’s Osteria, 707 on Main Restaurant, Panino’s Pizza & Pasta, India Raj Restaurant, Sal’s Family Restaurant, Rivalry Sports Grille, The Smithy Restaurant, Carl Anthony’s Trattoria, Country Pizza Restaurant, Last Drop Coffee Shop, American Pie, Mr. Mac’s Canteen and Healthy Food Chinese Kitchen.

Donation jars have also been set up at other area establishments, said Hossler.

The Barnum Museum in Bridgeport will also contribute free Barnum museum admission coupons for the first 50 people who bring a bag of food to the Stepney Green collection site.

If you are unable to deliver your food to the Stepney Green, donations will be accepted at the Monroe Food Pantry, 980 Monroe Turnpike, Mondays from 2-5 p.m. or Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Or call the Food Pantry at 452-3770 to make other arrangements.

For a list of participating restaurants or a listing of foodstuff to be collected, visit stepneyct.org and click on “What’s New”.

For more information about the Saturday collection on the Stepney Green call Lee Hossler at 261-5702.