Norfolk County Announces Annual Holiday Food Drive

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell announced that the Registry of Deeds Annual Holiday Food Drive will take place from Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 through Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015.

“Here in Norfolk County,” noted Register O’Donnell, “some of our less fortunate neighbors continue to face economic hardship. We know this because we see each month the Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings that take place. Furthermore, at a statewide level, Project Bread noted that 1 out of every 10 households in Massachusetts is food insecure.”

Local pantry officials agree food donations, especially as the winter and holiday months draw near, are critical to their operations.

“The holiday season is the busiest time of year. For the past 40 years, we have relied on the generosity of our local communities to donate food and help neighbors in need,” noted Rick Doane, Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services of Quincy.

Unfortunately, the issue of hunger does not stop at any border. Rene Feuerman, Director of the Brookline Food Pantry noted, “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in the number of individuals and families needing assistance. Just this past summer, we added 100 families to our needs list. Currently, we are feeding 850 households in Brookline.”

Non-perishable food items can be brought directly to the Registry of Deeds, at 649 High Street, in Dedham. A donation bin will be set up in the Registry building lobby which is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Suggested donations include canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries and paper products.

Those who wish to donate but are unable to travel to the Registry can do so by donating food supplies at their local pantries across Norfolk County. “Dropping off a food donation at the Registry or a local food pantry could make the difference in a family’s holiday. Working together, we can make a huge difference this holiday season,” concluded Register O’Donnell.

For a list of local food pantries, please visit the Registry of Deeds website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds.