Burlington Public Library Hosting Drive For Local Food Pantry

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington Public Library has announced that it is hosting a food drive for the food pantry run by People Helping People (PHP), a local charity.

The drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 1. at the library, located at 22 Sears St. The library will have a donation station set up at the rear of the building for residents to drop off nonperishable items for PHP Food Pantry.

"The residents of Burlington have helped to provide an astounding amount of support during past food drives," said Michael Wick, director of Burlington Public Library. "We hope community members can open their hearts once again and donate items that will help feed families in need.”

According to its website, PHP provides assistance to residents of the town of Burlington, who have a need for food, medicine, heat or utilities. The nonprofit also provides holiday food baskets and gifts for children.

"PHP strives to address the needs of those in difficult financial circumstances by providing them with basic needs and, more importantly, compassion, understanding and support," the organization said in a statement.

The PHP Food Pantry, located at 21-23 Murray Ave., currently serves between 150 and 200 Burlington families per month, which is about 550 people. Forty percent of those served are children and 15 percent are seniors.

For the drive, residents are encouraged to donate nonperishable items that are not expired or opened. PHP is not accepting canned goods at this time. Among the items needed are:

• Coffee, tea, cocoa
• Sugar, flour
• Cooking oil
• Condiments (mayonnaise, ketchup)
• Jelly
• Kids snack foods (fruit and applesauce cups, individually wrapped chips, granola bars)
• Toddler snacks (puree pouches, cereal puffs)
• Pancake syrup
• Oatmeal packets
• Toilet paper
• Tissues
• Baby wipes

According library officials, a collection bin will remain at the library for residents who would like to donate but are unable to attend on April 1.