THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 3, 2020 Page 5 Volunteers still needed at Bread of Life to distribute food to neighbors D espite the economy opening up more and more, Bread of Life (BOL) saw the highest number of families ever accessing its Malden food pantry on June 19: 186 families served in two hours. Prior to that, the need for the pantry had peaked at 185 families at the end of April during the height of the pandemic. With the need for food continuing, so is the need for volunteers. “Since the onset of the pandemic, Bread of Life has benefitted from an outpouring of volunteers from the community,” said BOL Executive Director Gabriella Snyder Stelmack, “But the good news that more and more people are returning to work means that we are losing great volunteers.” Among those still struggling with food insecurity are those waiting to be called back to work, those waiting for unemployment benefits, families self-isolating with the virus, and elderly and disabled residents. Opportunities to volunteer at BOL include the following: Malden Food Pantry: Tuesday through Friday, 12-5 p.m. at 54 Eastern Ave. in Malden. Contact: info@breadoflifemalden.org, 781-397-0404. Everett Food Distribution Grab N Go: Every Thursday, in shifts: • Load truck from 8-10 a.m. at 54 Eastern Ave., Malden • Unload truck from 10 a.m.12 p.m. at Lafayette School, 117 Edith St., Everett • Assemble food bags from 12-3 p.m. at Lafayette School • Give out groceries from 3-5 p.m. at Lafayette School • Clean up and load truck from 5-6 p.m. at Lafayette School • Unload and shelve food from 6-8 p.m. at 54 Eastern Ave., Malden Contact: tcandidobol@gmail. com, 781-281-8302. Grocery Delivery Program to senior citizens, disabled and self-isolating residents: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 54 Eastern Ave. in Malden: • Prep grocery orders from 12-4 p.m. • Deliver groceries from 3:306:30 p.m. Contact: delivery@breadoflifemalden.org Former BOL Director Tom Feagley spoke with some BOL volunteers recently to find out what inspired them to get involved. Many expressed the desire to help those in need, saying things like • “I’m not working. School is closed until September. I want to help others in need.” • “I want to make a positive difference. Bread of Life has been doing this as long as I remember.” • “I’m in a position where I am able to do something meaningful to help others.” • “I’ve always worked in social service. It’s part of who I am.” • A teenaged boy who has been volunteering with the pantry for two years said, “I like being part of a team doing good things.” • Many BOL volunteers over the years first came to BOL when they needed help, as this volunteer recalled: “When I struggled to make ends meet a few years ago, Bread of Life kept me and my family afloat. Now I get to do the same for others.” According to BOL Pantry VOLUNTEERS | SEE PAGE 17 www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE!
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