Everyone wins setting a record turnout at the Franklin Turkey Trot 2023

Over 800 folks pre-registered to participate in the walk, run, stroll annual Franklin Turkey Trot fund raiser for the Franklin Food Pantry. With walk in registrations, it was reported to be a record turnout. Final numbers and fund raising totals will be available later. 

Franklin Turkey Trot 2023

In the meantime, almost 800 finished the Turkey Trot Thursday morning in cool but delightful weather to get some exercise in before the turkey dinner later. The event started and finished at the Church of Later Days Saints on Jordan Road. 

Lots of families and friends gathered for this event. Lots of smiles were around as folks reconnected while chatting and walking the course. Yes, there was also a number of speedy runners, current and past FHS runner names can be recognized in the finish listing. 

There should be consideration of a "pushing the carriage or stroller" category given the presence of as many as there were. It truly was a family oriented event.

Updated via a Facebook post by the Franklin Food Pantry:

"Wow! We are giving thanks for our amazing community who participated in this year's Turkey Trot and raised more than $48,000 for the Franklin Food Pantry!  

More than 1,000 people registered for the race and 60 organizations and individuals sponsored the event.  

So many volunteers made this run possible, but special thanks to Erin Campbell of LDS Franklin and Jen Johnson of The Pantry.  

Happy Thanksgiving!"

If you had not yet listened to my conversation with Erin Campbell, Franklin Turkey Trot organizer and with Jen Johnson, Franklin Food Pantry Major Gift Coordinator, you can do so by following this link ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/have-you-registered-for-turkey-trot.html

The Franklin Turkey Trot results -> https://www.secondwindtiming.com/result-page/?id=268767#1_7AAEAD

what the start looked like from the back of the pack

Franklin Food Pantry Invites Community Support on #GivingTuesday

Demand for Food Assistance and Programs Continues to Increase as Winter Months Approach

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and programs in Franklin, is encouraging the community to support The Pantry through acts of giving and service on #GivingTuesday. The annual event occurs the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and inspires people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.  

In recent months, The Pantry has experienced a sharp increase in demand for food and services including weekend backpack meals for school children, holiday meal kits, and health and wellness items. By supporting The Pantry on #GivingTuesday, Franklin residents can make a lasting, positive impact in their immediate community.  

Franklin Food Pantry Invites Community Support on #GivingTuesday

“#GivingTuesday is an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their blessings, and pass that gratitude on to others in need,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Vice President, of Franklin Food Pantry. “The holiday season can be a time of tremendous stress for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. By coming together, we can provide hunger relief that lasts throughout the new year.”

How to support the Franklin Food Pantry on #GivingTuesday:

• Donate—Make a monetary donation and help provide food and goods to the more than 1,300 individuals and families who rely on The Pantry each year. In Norfolk County, the average cost for a meal is about $5. A donation of $20 helps a family of four start their day with breakfast, eat lunch at work or school, or provide a nutritious dinner at night. Recurring monthly donations to help The Pantry budget for everyday expenses are also available. Click HERE to donate. 
• Show Support—Share support for the Franklin Food Pantry on social media channels. Share The Pantry’s posts or create original content that links to The Pantry website or #GivingTuesday donation page. Be sure to use #GivingTuesday.  
• Volunteer—The Franklin Food Pantry has flexible volunteer options to meet almost everyone's desire to help. To volunteer, complete the online application and a volunteer coordinator will be in contact. Please note that availability for new Pantry volunteers will begin after the holiday season. For more information, click HERE.
• Organize a Food or Fund Drive—Individuals, corporations, schools, churches, community groups, and other organizations can coordinate a food and fund drive using The Pantry’s online toolkit. Collected food and funds will help The Pantry provide assistance throughout the season and into the new year. 

#GivingTuesday takes place on November 28, 2023. To add a #GivingTuesday reminder to an online calendar, please click HERE. For more information or to learn about the Franklin Food Pantry, visit www.franklinfoopantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. The Pantry partners with several organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. 

Donations and grants fund food purchases, keep lights on, and put gas in the Pantry truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Have you registered for the Turkey Trot? This fun family & community event helps the Food Pantry (audio)

FM #1100 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1100 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Erin Campbell, Franklin Turkey Trot organizer and with Jen Johnson, Franklin Food Pantry Major Gift Coordinator. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

We talk about the Turkey Trot coming up on Thanksgiving morning. 

We talk about how the race has evolved, sponsorship opportunities, the community event itself, and free raffle prizes in addition to awards by race age category & more.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear that I am happy to be a sponsor of this event, and that the recording is separately part of my overall public service effort for Franklin.News/Franklin Public Radio.

The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Erin and Jen.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1100-franklin-turkey-trot-11-15-23

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Turkey Trot webpage (register online through Tuesday, and in person Wednesday night (7 - 9 PM) or Thursday morning (from 6:30 AM to race time)) http://franklinturkeytrot.org/ 

Food Pantry audio series

• June 2023 - grand opening audio https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/franklin-food-pantry-celebrates-grand.html

• August 2023 - Exec Dir Tina Powderly - campaign kick off https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-food-pantry-launches-building.html 

• August 2023 - campaign #2 - Anne McGillis & Yianna Zicherman https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation.html 

• August 2023 - campaign #3 - Suzanne Gendreau & Donna O’Neill https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation_01022713506.html 

• September 2023 - campaign #4 - Laura Du & Amber Baur https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation.html 

"The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org  to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors."

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news or www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Have you registered for the Turkey Trot? This fun family & community event helps the Food Pantry (audio)

Food Pantry fund raiser at Jersey Mike's Nov 9

Food Pantry fund raiser at Jersey Mike's Nov 9

Holiday Hand Soap Drive launched by the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry is collecting donations of hand soap for the 1,300 individuals who rely on The Pantry each year. 

According to the CDC, germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, like handrails, tabletops, or toys, and then transferred to another person's hands. Removing germs through handwashing therefore helps prevent diarrhea and respiratory infections and may even help prevent skin and eye infections. 

Donations can be brought to the Franklin Food Pantry, 341 West Central Street Franklin, Massachusetts, and placed in the large purple bin ("The Purple People Feeder") on The Pantry’s loading dock. Donations must be unused, unopened, and undamaged.  

Monetary donations can also be made online at: https://bit.ly/45LjrS5

For more information, contact Marsha Tait at 508-528-3115 or donations@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Holiday Hand Soap Drive launched by the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin Food Pantry to Hold Annual Food Elves Campaign

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and programs to more than 1,300 individuals each year, will hold the 18th annual Food Elves Campaign.  This holiday season, middle and high school students will volunteer as Food Elves and solicit monetary donations for The Pantry in their neighborhoods and online. 

Franklin Food Pantry to Hold Annual Food Elves Campaign

The need for assistance is particularly high this year as The Pantry has seen a sharp increase in client registrations and visits since moving to its new location in the summer of 2023. In September, average weekly visits to The Pantry increased by 36 percent compared to the same month last year. By participating in the Food Elves Campaign, the community can help alleviate the rising demand and provide relief for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

“The Food Elves Campaign was launched in 2005, and thanks to the dedication and volunteerism of hundreds of young adults and the generosity of Franklin residents, the program has grown into The Pantry’s largest fundraiser of the year,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. 

“Last year, more than 240 students raised over $93,000 and we hope to exceed last year’s number to meet the growing demand in Franklin and beyond.” 

In addition to helping address hunger, the Food Elves Campaign provides valuable opportunities for youth. Volunteering can help improve self-esteem, develop career skills and interests, build relationships, and educate teens on issues affecting their community. Individuals who are interested in becoming a Food Elf can register online and receive a detailed toolkit with instructions and guidance from a parent in their assigned district. Volunteers receive up to 12 community service hours. The deadline to sign up as an in-person Food Elf is Nov. 8, and Nov. 30 for an online-only Food Elf.

Franklin residents can expect to receive a purple Franklin Food Pantry donation envelope and collection instructions from their neighborhood Food Elf following the Thanksgiving holiday. Donations can also be mailed to The Pantry or made online. For more information about becoming a Food Elf or supporting the Franklin Food Pantry, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.  

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. 

Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ for more information.

Celebratory Luncheon Hosted for Franklin Food Pantry Volunteers

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance, information, and referral to Franklin residents and beyond, held its annual volunteer luncheon to recognize and celebrate the more than 140 pantry volunteers who gave over 7,000 hours of time and talent in 2022 to help address food insecurity. 

The event was held at Mount Street Farm in Franklin and attended by special guests Representative Jeff Roy (D), Franklin Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, Franklin Town Council Member Cobi Frongillo, and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. Shaw’s Supermarket, East Central Starbucks, The Big Apple, and 3 Restaurant provided refreshments and food for the luncheon. 

Some of the group in conversation during the event

During the celebration, Rep. Roy presented the 2022 President’s Volunteer Service Award to 18 volunteers whose service positively impacts the Franklin Community and inspires others to act. The Gold Award, for 500+ volunteer hours in a calendar year, was presented to Community Gardens and Diane Daddario. The Silver Award, for 250 to 499 volunteer hours, was presented to Suzanne Gendreau, Chris Kilburn and Maureen Kilburn. The Bronze Award, for 100 to 174 volunteer hours, was presented to Amber Baur, Mary Anne Dean, Vicki Coates, David Custer, Rachel Flum, Donna Hines, Carol Malachowski, Donna O’Neill, Kym Pruitt, Jim Roche, Maureen Sobolewski, Nancy Schoen, and Roberta Trahan. 

“As a non-profit with limited resources and staff, we rely on committed volunteers to keep our warehouse full, our shelves stocked, and our daily operations running,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “Our volunteers are the very heart of The Pantry and we are eternally grateful for their dedication and service to our community.” 

The Pantry offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities, is named Best Place to Volunteer by MyFM 101.3 in 2023 and 2022, and certified as an Al!VE Service Enterprise Organization.  For more information, or to submit a volunteer application, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org. 

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. 

Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

 

Attention Middle and High Schoolers the sign up for the Food Elves is open

Middle and high schoolers! Join the 75 students who have already registered for The Food Elves-our largest fundraiser of the year! 

Last year we had over 200 Food Elves, we're about 1/3 of the way there. Let's make this our biggest year yet!

This is a fun and easy way to make the holidays brighter for our neighbors in need.

Click the link below to find out more and to sign up today:

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/franklin-food-elves/

Attention Middle and High Schoolers the sign up for the Food Elves is open 

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Preparations Underway for the 12th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot to Benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to announce the 12th annual Franklin Turkey Trot, a 5K fun run to benefit The Pantry, will take place on Nov. 23, 2023, at 8 a.m. Walkers and runners of all ages and abilities are invited to register for the Thanksgiving morning tradition which begins and ends at 91 Jordan Rd., Franklin, Massachusetts. 

Franklin Turkey Trot

Runners will receive a light breakfast, and category medals and door prizes will be awarded following the race. Registration fees are $20 per person prior to Oct. 18, and $25 thereafter, with a family cap of $100. Food donations are no longer accepted at the event. 

Proceeds from the race help provide supplemental food assistance and programs to those facing food insecurity. To register, visit www.franklinturkeytrot.org through Nov. 21, or register in-person at the race location on Nov. 22, between 7 and 9 p.m., or the morning of the race between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. 

Race day sponsors are needed to make this year’s event a success. Funds received from sponsorships support The Pantry and cover costs associated with the event including the race registration company, timing technology, insurance, and security details. Sponsorship levels are:

• Presenting Sponsor $2,000 

• Platinum Sponsor $750 

• Gold Sponsor $500 

• Silver Sponsor $250 

• Friend Sponsor $100 

• Door Prize Sponsor

Preparations Underway for the 12th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot

A complete list of sponsorship benefits is listed on The Pantry’s website www.franklinfoodpantry.org. Potential sponsors are encouraged to sign up prior to Nov. 9. 

To date, the following organizations and individuals have graciously committed to sponsoring the event:

Platinum Sponsors: MyFM 101.3, Next9Up, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Gold Sponsorship:  Franklin Knights of Columbus #1847, Paul A. Longobardi & Sons Trucking

Silver Sponsorship: Franklin Matters, Vendetti Motors, Emmons LLC, Starr and Glick Orthodontists, Mike and Maureen Sabolinski, Nutrify Performance Nutrition for Women, LLC 

For more information on the 12th annual Franklin Turkey Trot, please visit http://www.franklinturkeytrot.org/.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. 

Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Franklin Food Pantry can use your help if you shop at Target

via Franklin Food Pantry 

Support The Pantry with Target Circle! 

You can vote for us and help direct Target's giving to benefit The Pantry. 

Here's how:
Step 1: Choose "My Target" in the Target app
Step 2: Tap on "Target Circle™"
Step 3: Select "Vote for nonprofits"
Step 4: Find us and vote! https://t.co/dkb2ZS9Vpc

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1708919330732183862

Franklin Food Pantry can use your help if you shop at Target

Pantherbook: "What is food insecurity?"

via Pantherbook:

The Franklin Food Pantry: What is Food Insecurity? 

by Tuhina Pal https://t.co/pcETc1u96C

The Pantry’s supply of fresh produce. (Linda Rondeau Photography)

Middle, high school, & college students can sign up to join the Franklin Food Elves this season

Join the Franklin Food Elves to raise funds for the Franklin Food Pantry! Your participation helps ensure that our neighbors have a brighter holiday season! All funds raised will purchase fresh produce, a variety of proteins, groceries, personal care items, and household cleaning products.

In 2022, more than 240 middle, high school, and college students raised more than $93,000 for The Pantry through the Food Elves Campaign! Our wonderful Food Elves solicited funds in their neighborhoods and through crowdfunding to give their neighbors some holiday cheer.

The deadline to register as an in-person Food Elf is November 8, 2023.

The deadline to register as an online Food Elf is November 30, 2023.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8ZlatV9CVwWVIUf0PlCTjxtZpqej20HAvINgUV2qHl_tQSQ/viewform

What does it take to be a Food Elf? https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Food-Elves-FAQ-2023.pdf

Middle, high school, & college students can sign up to join the Franklin Food Elves this season

The donation bin at the Franklin Food Pantry has a name -> "Purple People Feeder"

Six-year-old twins Addison and Gracelyn, winners of the donation bin naming contest, and their little sister visited with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, to check out the "Purple People Feeder."  

Come visit the Purple People Feeder on The Pantry's loading dock and be sure to bring a non-perishable donation to feed our neighbors.  

For a complete tour of the pantry, sign up online at: https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building/

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0WvTndYymh59V9mStKXUZXUsvHsgmw5ydzSAreUs1bwvyRgasSw4qoxVmT3hhXm8yl&id=100064488767698&mibextid=Nif5oz

Six-year-old twins Addison and Gracelyn, winners of the donation bin naming contest, and their little sister visited with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin Food Pantry grateful for our community partners including Officer Gove

"We're grateful for our community partners including Officer Gove of the @franklinmapolice who assists The Pantry with home delivery to our neighbors in need. #grateful #community #gooddog" https://t.co/gABOvr40M0

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1704542779907375410

Franklin Food Pantry grateful for our community partners including Officer Gove

REMINDER - Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT - Saturday, 9/23/23 at 10 AM

Join us on September 23rd, 2023, at 10:00 AM when we'll be holding the The "Honoring Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT

View this email in your browser Honoring Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT At quick reminder that tomorrow, at 10:00 AM we'll be holding the The "Honoring Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT" will take place commencing from the Grove St Franklin trailhead. Stephen Green, a fervent advocate for the preservation and enhancement of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of passion, commitment, and community spirit. The memorial walk aims to celebrate his contributions while also raising support for a cause that was close to his heart - the Franklin Food Pantry. To donate go to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/fbrtc-stephen-green/ Join us in paying homage to Stephen Green's dedication to creating a better community through his tireless efforts on the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee. Lace up your sneakers, gather your family and friends, and come together for a morning of remembrance, gratitude, and giving back. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Copyright © 2023 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038