Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Friendship Center holds Open House - Updated

Today, Wednesday, Aug. 17, the Friendship Center Food Pantry held an Open House at its location, 45 Eagle Street, North Adams, during the annual North Adams Downtown Celebration. 

Earlier in the day, we served a total of 123 families in our morning and afternoon sessions. For the Open House, our recently installed Volunteer Coordinator, Sheila Bounds put out a beautiful spread for our visitors. Thanks to all who volunteered.

"We got some foot traffic, signed up some new volunteers and educated others about what we do," wrote our grants and computer wizard Fran Berasi in her weekly Wednesday report. "So all in all, a good day."

The original date for the Open House was last Wednesday, but it was cancelled, along with the Downtown Celebration, because of the threat of rain.

We invited to the Open House those we wrote to in our annual letter campaign for the Friendship Center Food Pantry. Everyone else was welcome, too.

Those who want to make a donation may make it out to the Friendship Center Food Pantry, 45 Eagle St., North Adams, MA 01247. All contributions are tax deductible through our parent organization, Northern Berkshire Interfaith Action Initiative Inc.

Our multi-tasking dynamo, Kevin Tyree, took these photos and we thank him!


 Anne Nelson and Sheila Bounds talk to an unidentified man.


Some visitors and some volunteers.

 Volunteer Ray Moore at the desk.


Dan Bird, Eagle Street Room foreman and much more

 Rich Davis, food distribution coordinator

 Some of volunteers, including Sharon May, at left in back, talk with a visitor.


 That's Fran Berasi at right behind the counter, talking with Anne Nelson.  At left is Bernadette "Bernie" Burdick from Florida Mountain.

 They also serve who only stand and wait...


 In back, Dan Bird; Dave Wesley, our treasurer; Al Nelson, co-founder, vice president and our conscience; Fran Berasi; Sheila Bounds, Sharon May; and Jessica the Frost Fairy; Seated: Anne Nelson and Bernie Burdick.



Much the same as before but with Kevin Tyree, front left, in front of the camera. Dan Bird probably took this photo.


That's Tuesday and Wednesday volunteer Jocelyn Barrett standing in back against the open door.



Rich Davis in this one.


Bob and Ruby Scott, two of our great evening shift volunteers.

Thanks to all and God Bless,

Mark Rondeau