The needs of the homeless and poor are often highlighted during the holiday season, but in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, those needs have only grown in the new year.
Last week, at the Food Pantry serving Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, a record number of families came out to receive donations from the community. The pantry (), located at Christ Episcopal Church in Tarrytown, runs once a month and issues food, supplies and hygiene products to those in need.
About 136 families visited last week, serving some 487 local people. About 100 of the families serviced in January were from Sleepy Hollow. That is a significant increase from the 300 people the pantry served in December.
We talked to some of those in need in our area who came out to the Food Pantry in Novemeber. Here are some of their stories:
Rosa: I'm the only one in my family with a job. I started working at the Galleria two months ago, and I like it, but it's not enough money for my family. I have two children to feed. I like this place. The people are good.
Sopora: It's just me and my grandson, who I've had since he was eight months old. Now he's in school and he has special needs. My husband died in 2005. I have a little pension from him, but it's not enough for the two of us.
Anthony: I live at the YMCA. I don't get food stamps, just a little Social Security. At the end of the month I don't have any other food besides this.
Kevin: I've lived on Beekman Avenue my whole life. I don't have regular work, just moving furniture when they need me. But I learned about this place from my friend. Now we keep each other company walking home with our groceries.
Faye: This is my first time at the Food Pantry. I have Lupus, and I had no food at all for Thanksgiving. But I called Christ Church and they told me to come today.
The Food Pantry is still in its early stages, and organizers are planning to set up a transportation system and delivery service to reach even more people in the future.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Food Pantry, donations of food can be dropped off inside the main entrance of Christ Episcopal Church, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Checks can also be made out to Community Food Pantry and mailed to:
Community Food Pantry
c/o Christ Church
43 South Broadway
Tarrytown , NY 10591
