The Oct. 2 drive will benefit the Pittsford Food Cupboard and the Catholic Family Service Refugee Resettlement Office, which is helping refugees who have arrived in the Rochester area from Afghanistan.
“Our monthly food drives were very successful last year and we’re continuing them to fulfill an obvious need in our community,” said Dave Irwin, Pittsford Rotary Club president. “We’re moving the location this year from the community center to the Sutherland bus loop, where access is a little easier for donors to stop by.”
Rotarians will be collecting items, rain or shine. The Pittsford Food Cupboard is in particular need of collard greens; spinach; beets; olives; lima beans; yellow waxed beans; mushrooms; coffee; cereal; tomato products (crushed, whole or pureed; mandarin oranges (canned); SPAM; sardines; clams; anchovies; and corned beef hash. Also needed are personal items (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion) and cleaning supplies.
The Refugee Resettlement Office is particularly in need of basmati rice but also several non-food items such as cleaning sprays/disinfectant wipes; laundry detergents; paper towels; toilet paper; hand soap; dish soap; baby diapers of any size; baby wipes; sponges; garbage bags; body wash; toothbrushes and toothpaste; and pillows.
The collectors will be taking precautionary measures such as wearing face coverings and gloves and maintaining safe distances.
The Pittsford Food Cupboard and the Refugee Resettlement Office are among many organizations benefiting from Pittsford Rotary's mission of service.