April is National Volunteer Month, a special time to recognize the invaluable contributions of volunteers. The Franklin Food Pantry kicked off this important month by hosting its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, which celebrates the incredible impact volunteers have on the organization and the Franklin community.
The luncheon held on April 3, 2025, was made possible by G&C Plumbing and Heating who sponsored the event, and New England Chapel who provided the space. Elizabeth’s Bagels, The Rome Restaurant, Starbucks on E Central St., Twist Bakery & Cafe, and volunteer bakers provided food, paper goods, desserts, and more. Paul Vicario Studio beautifully captured the event through photography.
Each week, more than 120 individuals volunteer their time at the Franklin Food Pantry making it possible to deliver essential food assistance and service programs to over 850 households in Franklin. Their efforts support vital initiatives such as in-person and walk-in shopping, curbside pickup, mobile pantries at three Franklin locations, Kids’ Snack Bags, the Weekend Backpack Program, holiday meal packages, the Community Gardens Program, and many more. In 2024 alone, Franklin Food Pantry volunteers collectively contributed over 12,000 hours of their time and talent.
Distinguished guests who attended to show their appreciation included Massachusetts State Senator Becca Rausch, State Representative Jeff Roy, Franklin Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo, Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools Lucas Giguere, and Director of Franklin Senior Center Sarah Amaral.
Senator Becca Rausch addressed the volunteers, stating, “Your work is irreplaceable. Volunteers keep The Pantry’s warehouse full, the shelves stocked, and the operation running smoothly. You pack the backpacks, load the mobile pantry, and assist shoppers. Every hour you spend is a labor of love. And there is so much love supporting this organization and uplifting the people it serves.”
State Representative Jeff Roy presented the 2024 President’s Volunteer Service Award to 39 exceptional volunteers whose service has significantly impacted the Franklin community and serves as an inspiration to others.
The Gold Award, recognizing over 500 volunteer hours in the past year, was presented to Amber Baur. The Silver Award, for 250 to 499 volunteer hours, was awarded to David Bascom, Vicki Coates, Diane Daddario, Suzanne Gendreau, and Kym Pruitt.
The Bronze Award, for 100 to 249 volunteer hours, was presented to Dominic Agostino, Jim Barton, Colleen Bond, Teresa Burr, Erika Cummings, Dave Custer, Mary Anne Dean, Kim DeCrescenzo, Robert Doyle, Rachel Flum, Kathy Ginley, Angela Draper, Karen Giuliano, Richard Guiliano, Oona Harrington, Jonathan Haddad, Jeanne Hummel, Martin Kaufman, Jen Kuse, Kathy Lesica, Christine Lovell, Carol Malachowski, Ann Maloney, Felecia McKenney, Gary Nassoiy, Donna O’Neill, Joseph O'Koren, C. Lynn Rizzolo, Maureen Sabolinski, Nancy Schoen, Pamela Spicer, Debra Stiffler, and Lawrence Verney.
“We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary contributions of our volunteer team,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "Every hour they give, always with a smile, has a profound impact on our client. They are the driving force behind our ability to offer a diverse array of essential programs with dignity, and we are deeply grateful."
The Franklin Food Pantry will continue to celebrate the volunteers throughout April including special social media posts thanking volunteers and highlighting the important role they play at The Pantry.
For more information on the Franklin Food Pantry, or receiving food assistance, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.
About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs.
Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.
Additional photos courtesy by Paul Vicario can be found https://drive.google.com/file/d/10UOhEl1q-1RFpORzZ99XeUSSWFOfUbkA/view?usp=drive_link
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| Top Row (L to R): Franklin Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, State Representative Jeff Roy; Bottom Row (L to R): Franklin Food Pantry Board Chair, Amber Baur, Senator Becca Rausch, Pantry Volunteer Bob Doyle, and Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo |
