Her Food Pantry 'Became A Lifeline': Verplanck's Hero Maria Rose

VERPLANCK, NY — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Colleen McGuire Blair who nominated her friend Maria Rose of Peekskill-Cortlandt.

Local hero’s full name

Maria Rose

Local hero’s home state

New York

Local hero’s Patch

Peekskill-Cortlandt

How do you know the local hero?

Hometown

What does the local hero do?

Runs a food pantry/thrift store/farmer's market

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Maria and her sister Kacey started the Let it Shine (L.I.S.A) food pantry just before the pandemic broke out. Needless to say, the pantry became a lifeline for many while businesses and schools were closed. To help support their effort they started the Farmer's Market at Riverside park in Verplanck. They also opened the L.I.S.A. boutique thrift store. Recently Maria organized a town wide garage sale. Not only have they fed hundreds of families, they have instilled a real sense of community in the residents of Verplanck, one of the oldest Hudson River towns.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

She gives countless hours and love to our hometown

Thank you for all you do, Maria Rose!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.