'They Work Tirelessly To Keep Food Pantry Running': Patch Hero

READING, MA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Michelle Faulkner, who nominated Reading Food Pantry founders Charlotte Harlan, Phyllis Maxwell and Bruce Maxwell.

Where the nominee lives:

Reading, MA

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:

Reading, MA

Name of the nominee:

Charlotte Harlan, Phyllis Maxwell, Bruce Maxwell

Name of the person who nominated the hero:

Michelle Faulkner

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?

Yes

What does the nominee do for work?

They run the Reading Food Pantry (considered essential)

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?

Charlotte, Phyllis and Bruce founded the Reading Food Pantry 20+ years ago, and our services are more needed than ever right now. They still dedicate many hours per week to keeping the Pantry up and running. We now serve 120+ families in Reading, and with unemployment high, we are receiving several new families per week. These families could not get by without the Food Pantry's help. The program is administered by the Reading Clergy Association and is operated out of Old South United Methodist Church downtown. Charlotte, Phyllis and Bruce are all longtime active members of Old South.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?

All three of them are generous, kind and so selfless - even in their 70s and 80s, they work tirelessly to keep the Food Pantry running.