I got up just after dawn to go to the Cambridge Food Pantry and take some pictures. Director Sarah Harrington met me there. She has no paid helpers or assistants; she does everything the volunteers do, which is everything.
It was fascinating to see how the pantry works, or more accurately, how Sarah works. I so appreciate what she does and how she does it.
Today, she seeks help for two items perpetual need and popularity.
She hauled, stacked, and opened many Amazon boxes, which she was pleased to receive. I was taken aback by the heavy lifting, recording, packing, and stacking she did alone for a solid hour before rushing off to a Zoom meeting about food pantries.
I also want to blow many kisses to the Army Of Good; angels scattered all over the country.
I decided to follow her around; I was impressed when we met and am in awe now.
I’ll put those photos up right after this post so I can think of a better way to spend the morning. Thinking of her hauling those boxes back and forth, I asked what would help. She said two 150-gallon plastic outdoor storage decks would help a great deal, and the volunteers wouldn’t have to carry so much.
They are on the way; they cost $400. Sarah is the hardest-working, the most caring, and least complaining person I’ve ever met.
It is a pleasure to help support her and the work she does. Whenever she unpacked something hard for her to get, she practically jumped with joy, saying, “This will make them so happy.”
I think we can fill up that empty tea shelf.
Each purchase can get 120 packets of herbal tea to the Cambridge Pantry and the people who come there to get food for their families.
I tried to help her, but it was challenging; she knew where everything went and how to carry, open, and break down a sea of boxes. Thanks, Army of Good; you are consistently impressive.
When I asked Sarah what items were in high demand, she mentioned ‘Herbal Tea’ and ‘Tide.’ A box of Tide has arrived, but it will be gone in a blink of an eye. The herbal tea shelf, on the other hand, is empty. It is healthy and inexpensive, and Sarah would be happy to see it filled.
Tide is one of the most popular household items in the pantry and the most difficult to keep in stock. Thanks to those who sent some, it was gone in minutes.
Many food pantries have no choice but to give their customers what is available. When the pantry can, it offers people an option, which means the most popular items last only a short time.
The second item you asked for today is Tide, which I take for granted in my house but which many people want but can’t get, including the pantry.
She also requests Tide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap, Original scent, 37 Fl Oz, 24 loads, $5.99. It won’t last long, but it will make many people happy.
The last tide went last week.
These and other items can be purchased for newcomers on the Cambridge Pantry Amazon Wish List. If purchased on the site and updated daily, they will automatically be delivered to a site near the pantry (it is open only some days) and then brought to the pantry shelves.
If you are purchasing food for the Pantry elswhere, the correct address for the food to be sent is Sarah Harrington, Cambridge Food Pantry, c/o Sarah Harrington, 24 East Main Street, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.