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.

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 

Shared from -> https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02ztMDtrScGRqGDhioCxdrxGrHkkWtqHRaKFDg6RxCSjcPVjgJ2xkBiJ9uQgTojbVFl&id=100064488767698&mibextid=Nif5oz

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

Franklin Food Pantry looking for two parents to help coordinate the Food Elves Campaign

The Franklin Food Pantry is recruiting for two volunteer District Parents for Food Elves in the Oak and Jefferson elementary school districts this year. The Food Elves Campaign is The Franklin Food Pantry’s largest fundraiser of the year! 

In 2022, The Elves raised over $93,000! 

Food Elves are middle and high school students in the Franklin community organized by, and working with, District Parents.

Food Elves Campaign

Between December 1 and December 12, Food Elves pass out The Pantry’s signature purple envelopes and flyers to houses in their elementary school districts and set up their online pages to raise funds for The Pantry. 

Food Elves are assigned to District Parents who help guide them through the process. District Parents are typically assigned 20 -30 students (depending on the district).

The District Parents play a very important role in the campaign! Six district parents correspond to the previous six school districts that our current middle and high school students attended: 

• Jefferson Elementary School (recruiting)

• Parmenter Elementary School

• Oak Street Elementary School (recruiting)

• Hellen Keller Elementary School

• John F. Kennedy Elementary School

• Davis Thayer Elementary School (now closed but students who attended still canvas in the Davis Thayer district)

What Does a District Parent do?

• You are the direct contact for the Elves who sign up in your district. 

• You assign streets to the Elves (The Pantry will provide street maps corresponding to elementary school districts).

• Elves indicate their Elementary Schools when they sign up.

• You help the Elves organize kick-off activities in the neighborhood.... 

o Distribute lawn signs

o Oversee envelope and flyer distribution

o Help them to say thank you

• You sign off on community service hours (The Pantry will provide you with forms)

• In-person Elves get 12 hours

• Online Only Elves get 10 hours

• You collect and deliver checks to The Pantry.

Elves can also choose to fund raise online only – you will not have any responsibilities to these Elves!

The Pantry will provide a staff contact to help District Parents. 

Time commitment: November 1 – December 15 

● 1 hour meeting with Pantry and other District Parents for kickoff

● Meet with Food Elves to assign streets (in person at your home), give out lawn signs and envelopes

● Answer Food Elf questions via email

● Collect envelopes from Food Elves

● Return envelopes to The Pantry 

If interested in participating for the Oak or Jefferson district, please contact Jen Johnson at the Food Pantry. Her email is jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org

Franklin.TV: Franklin Food Elves - Raising Money for the Food Pantry

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 12/11/2022

The Franklin Food Elves is the Franklin Food Pantry’s largest fundraiser of the year and it wraps up our holiday giving season. Every December high school and middle school students earn community service hours and raise money for The Pantry. Each student works in their elementary school district and is assigned streets by District where they drop off our signature purple envelopes and a flyer explaining the program. 

Franklin Food Pantry

People can make donations via an online page or leave a check in the envelope that the student returns to pick up on a specific date. The Pantry provides all the materials each Elf needs. It’s a great program that makes a large impact on The Pantry. Elves can earn community service hours (12 hours for in-person canvassing of neighborhoods and 10 hours for online fundraising only). If you have any questions please contact Marsha Tait at mtait@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Food prices increased by 13.1% nationally and 10.9% locally this year and have not only impacted Franklin families but have increased The Pantry’s operating costs as well. Fundraisers like Food Elves are critical to the organization – especially now amid rising food prices and increasing need.

use this QR code to find your elf 

Last year the Elves raised over $95,000! These funds help to provide services and food, including fresh produce, proteins and dairy to neighbors in need. Food Elves is the Franklin Food Pantry’s largest annual fundraiser, and we can’t wait to see what the Food Elves accomplish this year!

Look for your purple envelope and consider making the holidays brighter for your neighbors by placing a donation in the purple envelope for pickup by your local Food Elf. If you have not been visited by a Food Elf you can donate via this QR code!

Questions? Call us. 508-541-4118. 

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

 

The Pantry Food Elves Are Busy Canvassing Your Neighborhood!

Franklin Food Pantry Food Elves 2022

"Food prices increased by 13.1% nationally and 10.9% locally this year and have not only impacted our neighbors but have increased The Franklin Food Pantry’s operating costs as well. Fundraisers like Food Elves are critical to our organization especially now amid rising food prices and increasing need.

Last year our Elves raised over $95,000! These funds help us continue to provide services and food, including fresh produce, proteins and dairy to our neighbors in need. Food Elves is our largest fundraiser and we can't wait to see what our Food Elves accomplish this year!

Food Elves will be canvassing Franklin neighborhoods starting this week. Look for your purple envelope and consider making the holidays brighter for your neighbors by placing a donation in the purple envelope for pickup by your local Food Elf. If you have not been visited by a Food Elf you can donate here or use the QR code."

Or use this link ->

http://weblink.donorperfect.com/FranklinFoodPantry/FranklinFoodElves2022

 

Franklin Food Pantry Launches ‘The Pantry Food Elves Holiday Drive’ - "12 Days of Donating” Campaign Celebrates 17 Years

The Franklin Food Pantry is excited to announce Food Elves 2022. This year the Franklin Food Elves “12 Days of Donating” Campaign marks 17 years of helping neighbors in need during the holiday season and beyond. Between December 1 through 12, the neighborhood collection by local middle and high school students serves as the largest fundraiser for The Franklin Food Pantry. In 2021, the Food Elves collected over $95,000 and we are excited to see what they accomplish this year!  

 

The Elves collect monetary donations only for The Pantry. With several food and fund drives underway, the Pantry is quickly filling up its small warehouse. The Pantry uses monetary donations to purchase chicken, beef and other meats, dairy products, eggs, fresh vegetables, and fruits at a deep discount from the Greater Boston Food Bank at a time when the need for those items is highest. With food prices increasing nationally by 13.1% and locally by 10.9% this year, it’s more expensive than ever to serve our neighbors in need. 

 

“Our amazing community is highly involved at this time of year, collecting food for the Pantry and educating their neighbors about food insecurity,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director for the Franklin Food Pantry. “We are grateful for the bountiful donations of food we receive. But, after the holidays, when end-of-year giving naturally subsides and food drives lessen, monetary donations help us continue to meet the increasing need through the leaner months that follow.” 

 

“Our Food Elves are amazing students who are dedicated to giving back to the community. We appreciate their commitment and hard work as well as the tireless efforts of our district parents. Special thanks to Colleen Bond, Lisa Frankina, Deb Morandi, Denise Flynn Wright, Kathleen McGuigan, Laurie Cain and Kristen DeMayo.”  

 

The Food Elves distribute flyers about their donation drive and our signature purple envelopes in their neighborhoods. Their flyers direct community members about how to donate. Donations can be made in two ways: through a check donation that the Elves will pick up personally; or through each Elf’s own online personal campaign page. Each Elf sets their own fundraising goal and will be able to keep track of how much they personally raise. Students will receive 12 community service hours for in-person fundraising and 10 hours for online only fundraising.  

The deadline to sign up as an in-person Food Elf is 11/4. After 11/4 students can sign up for online fundraising only. The Food Elves program is a wonderful way to develop and encourage a lifelong commitment to service. Students can sign up to be a Food Elf and get more information here. 

 

If an Elf doesn’t visit your neighborhood, you can donate to the general page here. 

Franklin Food Pantry Launches ‘The Pantry Food Elves Holiday Drive’

About the Franklin Food Pantry 

The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, it depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other strategic partners. It is grateful for its 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 food purchases, keep the lights on, and put gas in the food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information. 

 

Franklin Food Elves Launch Holiday Drive

"12 Days of Donating" Campaign Celebrates 16 Years

The Franklin Food Pantry announces Food Elves 2021. This year the Franklin Food Elves "12 Days of Donating" Campaign marks 16 years of helping neighbors in need during the holiday season and beyond. Starting on December 1 and running through December 12, the neighborhood collection by local middle and high school students serves as the largest fundraiser for The Pantry. In 2020, the Food Elves collected over $80,000 and we are excited to see if they can beat that total.

The Elves collect monetary donations only for The Franklin Food Pantry. With dozens of food and fund drives underway, the Pantry is quickly filling up its small and limited warehouse. The Pantry uses monetary donations to purchase chicken, beef and other meats, dairy products, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits at a deep discount from the Greater Boston Food Bank at a time when the need for those items is highest.

"Our community is very engaged at this time of year, collecting food for the Pantry and educating our community about food insecurity," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director for the Franklin Food Pantry. "We are grateful for the incredible amount of food we receive. But, after the holidays, when end-of-year giving naturally subsides and food drives lessen, monetary donations help us through the lean months that follow. The Food Elves program is a wonderful way to engage our younger community members to create a lifelong commitment to service."

"Our Food Elves are amazing students who are dedicated to giving back to the community. We appreciate their commitment and hard work as well as the tireless efforts of our district parents. Special thanks to Colleen Bond, Lisa Frankina, Deb Morandi, Denise Flynn Wright, Kathleen McGuigan and Kristen DeMayo."

The Food Elves will distribute flyers and envelopes in their neighborhoods about their donation drive. The Elves have switched this year from their signature purple envelope to a standard white envelope, but personalized labels and flyers will direct community members about how to donate. Donations can be made in two ways: through a check donation that the Elves will pick up personally; or through each Elf's own online personal campaign page. Each Elf set their own fundraising goal and will be able to keep track of how much they personally raise.

If an Elf doesn't visit your neighborhood, you can donate to the general page here.

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, it depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners. It is grateful for its 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 food purchases, keep the lights on, and put gas in the food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Franklin Food Elves Launch Holiday Drive

Did you miss these stories in Pantherbook?

Registration is open for this year's Food Elves Program

Registration is officially open for the 2021 Food Elf program with the Franklin Food Pantry. The Food Elf program is the Franklin Food Pantry’s largest fundraiser, which was made to help those in need in the Franklin community around the holidays.   https://franklinpanthers.us/feature/2021/11/06/registration-now-open-for-the-2021-food-elf-program/

History of Franklin: Historical Museum

"The town of Franklin has been around for nearly 250 years since its inception in 1776. Throughout that time, both Franklin and the world around it have shifted in monumental ways to transform into the modern age of today. Since Franklin was founded: electricity has been invented, cars were created, we went to the moon, and over 100,000 people have resided in the town."   https://franklinpanthers.us/entertainment/2021/11/05/history-of-franklin-franklin-historical-museum/

FHS' Theater Company produces Mamma Mia!

“Typical, isn’t it?” So here comes the FHS Theatre Company producing yet another iconic production, a fan favorite: Mamma Mia! If you didn’t already know, Mamma Mia overlooks the story of Donna and Sophie, a fun-loving mother-daughter relationship amid Sophie’s wedding. However, as Donna and her friends tirelessly plan the occasion, the bride-to-be has other intentions. On the hunt for her birth father, Sophie invites three men from her mother’s past to the ceremony in hopes that her real dad will be revealed and can walk her down the aisle on the big day!"   https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2021/11/04/fhs-theatre-company-presents-mamma-mia/

Visit Pantherbook for these and other stories about Franklin High School:   https://franklinpanthers.us/

Did you miss these stories in Pantherbook?

Registration is open for 2021 Food Elves

"Registration is open for 2021 Food Elves! 

Earn #communityservice hours and help fight hunger in your community.
@FHS_EmptyBowls @FranklinHS @FoodElves
#foodelves "

For more info, please visit ->  https://t.co/kUiwXbrjIO 

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/aM4NZLF5g0

Registration is open for 2021 Food Elves

Pantherbook: "The Franklin Food Pantry’s Food Elves Make Biggest Impact Yet to Fight Hunger"

From Pantherbook we share the following:  

"As COVID-19 cases continue to grow each day, so do the lines for food pantries across America. According to NPR, nearly 1 in 4 households have experienced food insecurity this year, which can be described as the lack of constant access to sufficient amounts of food needed to live a healthy life. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 10.5% of all American households (13.7 million) experienced food insecurity at some point in 2019. The image below displays the 4 main levels of food security and describes how households are affected at each level."

Continue reading the article
https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2021/01/06/the-franklin-food-pantrys-food-elves-make-biggest-impact-yet-to-fight-hunger/ 

the 4 main levels of food security and describes how households are affected at each level

Giving Tuesday - Franklin Food Pantry

Yes, #GivingTuesday was yesterday but the need still exists and the Food Pantry is accepting donations for the Franklin Food Elves 12 days of giving...

The Food Elves are Coming

Join the movement & give back Corresponding with #GivingTuesday this year, The Franklin Food Pantry has launched our largest fundraiser of the year - The Franklin Food Elves! The Franklin Food Elves are middle school, high school and college students who are committed to helping to end food insecurity in their own town by raising money for the Franklin Food Pantry. The program runs from December 1 - December 12. Be on the look out for a purple envelope and flyer in your neighborhood from your local elf. If you do not receive a flyer or do not live in Franklin, you can make a direct donation to the Elves' campaign here  (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=37). During the holiday season the Food Elves collect money to help provide food to our over 1400 neighbors throughout the year. During these hard times, we are seeing more people than ever who count on the Pantry for healthy food, proteins and shelf-stable items. Every dollar raised helps us buy what they need to help put meals on their table and have one less child go to bed hungry at night. We appreciate your generous support throughout the year and hope you can find it in your hearts to support your Food Elf during this season of giving. Thank you for your commitment to helping to end food insecurity. Donate Now Franklin Food Pantry | www.franklinfoodpantry.org ‌ ‌ ‌

Franklin Food Pantry | 43 West Central Street, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by loften@franklinfoodpantry.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

"12 Days of Donating" effort is marking its 15th year

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin: 

"Usually, a holiday elf's job is to make toys, pack Santa's sleigh and deliver presents on Christmas Eve. But there's a team of elves in Franklin with a different job: Collect donations for the Franklin Food Pantry.

They are the Franklin Food Elves, and they are about to launch their annual "12 Days of Donating" campaign, an effort that is important to the food pantry's continuing efforts to help community members in need.

The Franklin Food Elves are getting ready to launch their 2020 "12 Days of Donating" fundraiser for the Franklin Food Pantry, which will collect monetary donations to help the pantry help community members in need. From left, during filming of a pantry tour for this year's elves are: Kim Cooper, pantry donor relations manager; Laura Often, communications manager and Lynn Calling, executive director.

“Franklin Food Elves is our biggest fundraising opportunity," said Food Elves senior captain Erin McCaffrey in a video she recently prepared to promote the 2020 campaign. "Last year we raised over $30,000 and this year I think we can beat that goal, but we need your help.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/2020/11/25/franklin-food-elves-12-days-donating-franklin-food-pantry/6419659002/

Franklin Food Elves ready to launch pantry fundraiser

Franklin Food Elves Launch Holiday Drive: “12 Days of Donating” Campaign Celebrates 15 Years

This year the Franklin Food Elves “12 Days of Donating” Campaign marks 15 years of helping neighbors in need during the holiday season and beyond. Starting on December 1 and running through December 12, the neighborhood collection by local middle and high school student serves as the largest fundraiser for The Franklin Food Pantry. Be on the lookout in your neighborhood for purple envelopes to support your local Food Elf or donate here.

This year especially, The Pantry needs monetary donations to help feed its neighbors. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, The Pantry has had to change how it serves its neighbors. Neighbors are able to visit The Pantry once a week and they all receive a bag filled with the same shelf-stable items. Neighbors all get a choice of proteins and a bag of fresh produce. The money raised by the Food Elves will help to purchase the items needed by our neighbors to help meet their needs.

“So many people in our community have reached out to ask how they can help us during the Pandemic. Becoming a Food Elf is a great way that some of our younger community members can support The Pantry,” said Lynn Calling, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. “Food Elves is our largest fundraiser of the year and helps us purchase what we need when we need it to provide for the more than 1400 individuals who count on us.”

The Food Elves will notify people in their neighborhood about how they can support the Pantry. They will distribute flyers in their neighborhoods about the Food Elves Drive. Neighbors can make donations in two ways” through a check donation that the elves will pick up personally; or through each Elf’s own online personal campaign page. Each Elf will be able to keep track of how much they personally raise.

The Franklin Food Pantry thanks our middle and high school students who serve as our Food Elves and our district parents who are helping to lead. 

Any student interested in becoming a Food Elf can visit: https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/franklin-food-elves/

Past Food Elves gather at the Pantry for an orientation and tour

Holiday greeting from the Franklin Food Pantry

Holiday Greetings 

There is so much for us to be thankful for and celebrate this holiday season. That said, I wish that I was writing this letter to say that because of these successes, we no longer have to be here to serve our community. But, food insecurity does not go away even during the happiest times of the year. The holidays can be even harder for those thinking about where their next meal is going to come from. Through the support of our community, we are able to provide food and other items to our friends and neighbors in Franklin and help ease the stress of the holidays. 

We have been very busy here at the Pantry. While so many people are out doing their holiday shopping, we are making sure that our friends and neighbors have food on their tables. We could not do that without YOU. Through the generosity of our community, we were able to provide 440 meal packages for the Thanksgiving and winter holidays. There were numerous drives that were held to stock our shelves and provide daily necessities like toothpaste, shampoo, and other items. 

In addition, some of the younger members of our community also showed their support by being Food Elves - middle and high school students who create awareness about, and raise money for, the Pantry every year during the first 12 days of December. The Food Elves reached their goal of raising $28,000 for the Pantry so that our neighbors can have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and food throughout the year. If you missed your Food Elf, or were not visited by one, you can still support this effort by going here. 

In 2020, let's continue to work together to support one another and help to alleviate food insecurity. Whether you live, work, or do business in Franklin, our community is a better place because of you.

Thank you, 

Lynn Calling
Executive Director
Franklin Food Pantry

Holiday Meal Distribution

On Thursday December 19, our Pantry volunteers distributed over 200 holiday meals to our neighbors. The meal packages included a ham, fixings, some special chocolates and a blanket.

Thank you to all our volunteers and thank you to the Interfaith Council, MetroWest Provisions, customers of MetroWest Provisions, Chris Feeley and family, Sue Kilcoyne and all those that participated in her holiday event to benefit the Pantry, and our holiday greeting card creators for their generous donations to help make everyone's holiday brighter.

https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1208023233573863424

You can contribute to the Franklin Food Pantry securely online
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Disclosure: as a former Food Pantry board member, this organization remains a top priority for my charitable contributions.