The Pantry Needs YOU now more than ever before!

"Those lights look like halos, and all of you are all angels for doing this for us."

August 2023 Donor Nibble The Pantry Needs Your Help Now More Than Ever!   August 9, 2023 Dear Stephen and Dolores, Did you know that The Pantry has moved into our new home at 341 West Central St. in Franklin? The new space is a dream come true, thanks to the dedication and commitment of caring people like you who have spent ten years supporting, planning, and designing our new home! At the same time, The Pantry has experienced a dramatic increase in demand for our programs and services. In June of 2022, we provided food, household products, and personal care items to 298 households; in June of 2023, we assisted 367 households. Last year, we enrolled one or two new clients per week. In the first two weeks in our new building, we enrolled 13 new clients and have enrolled more than 45 since then. Increased demand has occurred at the same time that we are all experiencing increased costs of everything from food, to housing, to medical care. Not only have our clients' budgets been squeezed, but The Pantry's has as well. Donations of goods from community members are down, and sometimes we can't buy what we need through our membership in the Greater Boston Food Bank because their donations are down too. The Pantry needs your help now more than ever before! When we opened our doors to clients a few weeks ago, one of them remarked to one of our volunteers, "Those lights look like halos, and all of you are angels for doing this for us." That's what all of this is about: helping our neighbors in their moments of need in our expanded warm, welcoming, and dignified space. We have reached 56% of our $3.5 million campaign goal to raise funds for the purchase and renovation of our building, enhance our client programs and services, and create a rainy-day fund for future building expenses. We are now opening up the campaign to the whole community - and we hope that you will join this effort today!  We are deeply grateful for your support, and can not help our neighbors in need without you! If you wish to support our continuing programs and services with a donation, please click here today! If you donate to the campaign today, 100% of your donation will be matched by one of our treasured Pantry Angels - up to $25,000!!! If you wish to contribute to our campaign, please click here today! Thank you! "It's not about the building, it's about what we will do in the building." Did you know... That you can schedule a tour to see the inside of the new Pantry? Click the link below for more information and to sign up! Building Update Lots of things are happening all the time at The Pantry! We have a team in the Falmouth Road Race on Sunday August 20! Click here to support our team! The Annual Franklin Turkey Trot will be on Thanksgiving morning, November 23, 2023. Check our website in September for details! The Food Elves campaign will be December 1-12, 2023, Check our website in September for details! More Ways to Give DAF Direct Legacy Gifts Help ensure that The Pantry will be here to serve our community in the future by making a legacy gift. This can be as simple as leaving a percentage of your estate to The Pantry in your will. For more information, click here. Donor Advised Funds Did you know that you can make a tax-free qualified charitable distribution at any time from your IRA if you are 70½ or more years old. For more information, click here.  Please seek the advice of your tax accountant or attorney.  Ask Your Employers To Match Your Gift Many employers encourage their employees to make charitable gifts by matching a percentage (sometimes 100%) or by giving paid time off to volunteer. Ask your employer if they will match your gift to The Pantry and make your gift go further! From the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network Universal State Charitable Deduction Update The long-delayed Massachusetts state charitable contributions deduction took effect on January 1, 2023. This deduction is now available to all donors including those who don't itemize deductions on their federal tax returns.   Thank you for supporting The Pantry!

Franklin Food Pantry | 341 WEST CENTRAL STREET, Franklin, MA 02038 Try email marketing for free today!

This Franklin Food Pantry conversation provides some insights into their operations in the new facility (audio)

FM #1035 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1035 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Anne McGillis, Director of Operations, and Yianna Zicherman, Warehouse Manager of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

We talk about their respective roles in the operation of the Pantry. We get some insights into what happens behind the scenes to process the donations and food purchases to help our neighbors. Donations are always welcomed to help keep this operation running smoothly. 

The recording runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Anne & Yianna. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1035-franklin-food-pantry-building-campaign-02-07-24-23

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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 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.

Part 1 of the podcast series for the Franklin Food Pantry was shared last week.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-food-pantry-launches-building.html

Note: As part of my long association with the Franklin Food Pantry, I contribute financially to the building capital campaign. 

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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"

Franklin Food Pantry Launches Building Campaign (audio)

Franklin Food Pantry announces contest looking for names for their purple donation bin

CONTEST TIME!!!!

Kids!  

We are looking for a name for our donation bin and need your help! Our purple bin collects all of the food donations and we'd love to hear your ideas for its name!

Grownups! 

-Like & follow The Franklin Food Pantry

-Comment below with your child's choice for the name

-The winner will receive a $25 Target gift card!!

-One entry per child please

-Enter by August 18th and the winner will be announced on the 1st day of school!

*Staff will vote on the winning name and the winner will be notified via DM on Facebook. We cannot wait to see what you come up with!

Click here to learn more about donating to The Pantry, https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/donate-food/

Shared from -> https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid037jBoNPKHnzrRW3ujQNqkHWHFvve4ZmgMzR6rDSRQp4vTM23ac7sSeiVEuZP8Egwbl&id=100064488767698&mibextid=Nif5oz

Franklin Food Pantry announces contest looking for names for their purple donation bin

The Franklin Food Pantry invites you to help reach the building campaign goal

via the Franklin Food Pantry

"We are so grateful for the support we've received so far! 

We are now inviting the public to participate to help us reach our campaign goal! 

Click here to donate: https://t.co/I4njZXGUTx 

Click here to sign up for a tour!  https://t.co/0Q0jpHk2gx"

Listen to Tina Powderly talk with Steve Sherlock about the building campaign

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-food-pantry-launches-building.html

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/lPXNEKPbud

The Franklin Food Pantry invites you to help reach the building campaign goal

Get rid of gently used, CLEAN clothing for a worthy FUSF Savers FUNDrive

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is holding a Savers FUNDrive. 

Please drop off your gently used, CLEAN clothing, accessories, shoes, books, and SMALL household items to the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin on 

Wednesday, August 9, 

Thursday, August 10 or 

Friday, August 11 between 9 AM and NOON. 

• Please BAG clothing and other soft goods 
• BOX books, small household items, and media 

DO NOT INCLUDE: ENCYCLOPEDIAS, ELECTRONICS, FLAMMABLE PRODUCTS, FURNITURE, MAKE UP OR TOILETRIES. 

Questions? Contact klhulin@gmail.com. Thanks! 

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/18slsj8DXeeTPgJQQ2ZI8MWrFrTy7EM7k/view?usp=drive_link

Get rid of gently used, CLEAN clothing for a worthy FUSF Savers FUNDrive 

Did you see the July 4th Coalition Mailer ?

"The Franklin July 4th Coalition is made up of community volunteers.  Our sole mission is to preserve the annual celebrations for the town of Franklin.  We hope you come and enjoy yourselves.   

We rely entirely on fundraising events and donations to provide the fireworks, music and  events.  

We need your help.  A small tax deductible donation will help us reach our fundraising goal and allow us to keep the celebration an exciting town wide event."

July 4th Coalition mailer - sponsors

July 4th Coalition mailer - highlights

July 4th Coalition mailer - carnival & food

July 4th Coalition mailer - music schedule

Visit the page for updates and to donate -> https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin Fire donates their old turnout gear to charity

Franklin Fire (@FranklinMAfire) tweeted at 3:34 PM on Fri, Jun 16, 2023:

"We were fortunate enough to donate our old turnout gear to charity.  

Global Gear Initiative was able to provide gear to Programa Mayday México. 

Thank you to Act. Lieutenant Kelly and his son for making this happen." https://t.co/tauVGB1aAU

Franklin Fire donates their old turnout gear to charity

Shared from Twitter -   https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1669790491758456832 (also has additional photos)

Franklin LGBTQ Pride T-shirt free with donation

Front and Back of our new shirts! Available in kids, tapered, and uni sizing! 

Free with a $25 donation, we will be getting these super soft shirts out into the community just in time for Pride Month! 

Wear your Pride shirt throughout June and all year round to show your support 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CsU-JCdt2ty/

Donate via -> https://givebutter.com/celebratewithpride

Franklin LGBTQ Pride T-shirt free with donation 

Planet Fitness Supports Franklin First Responders with Donation of Cardio and Strength Equipment

Planet Fitness is committed to supporting its local communities and first responders. In 2022, 100% of equipment from Planet Fitness' corporate clubs was either donated or resold.

Local franchise group CDM Fitness Holdings, whose first location was Franklin, Mass., Planet Fitness, recently donated three treadmills, one stair-climber, and one stationary bike to the Franklin Fire Department.

Exercise and physical fitness are important for first responders’ mental health as they experience prolonged levels of high-stress, work long shifts and may not have access to workout equipment at work or at home. This Mental Health Awareness month, we’re thrilled to be giving back to local first responders. Exercise not only promotes physical and mental wellness, but it can also help ease stress.

Pictured in the group photo from left to right are: Keith Darling, Battalion Chief; Taylor Pryor, Planet Fitness; James McLaughlin, Fire Chief; Keith Schnabel, Firefighter/Paramedic; Pete Ballou, Firefighter/Paramedic; Tommy Bianco, Planet Fitness; Kevin Marshall, Captain; Jim Polito, Firefighter/Paramedic; Rich Salve, Firefighter/Paramedic

stair climber

stationary bike

treadmill

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of December 31, 2022, Planet Fitness had approximately 17 million members and 2,410 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. Approximately 90 percent of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

Looking ahead to Franklin's 4th of July Celebration

The schedule for the 4th of July Celebration in Franklin, MA is ready. Mark your calendars! 

• When are the wrist band days?  https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-1
• What bands are playing & when?  https://www.franklin4th.com/music
• What food booths are there?  https://www.franklin4th.com/food
• Is the Blues Festival back? Yes -> https://www.franklin4th.com/blues-festival

Check out all the details on the 4th of July Celebration page ->    https://www.franklin4th.com/

The volunteers organizing this event can use your help in person or with a financial contribution:

• Sign up here ->  https://www.franklin4th.com/about
• Donate to the cause here ->  https://franklin-july-4th-coalitin.secured.atpay.com/

When are the wrist band days?  https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-1

Is the Blues Festival back? Yes -> https://www.franklin4th.com/blues-festival