2010 was a year of hard work for Eddie Smith and the Pantry’s incredible team of volunteers. Our client numbers continued to increase. We served 13,454 households and provided food for 42,468 people. Our limited space continues to be our biggest challenge.
Our annual fund raising letter in November was more successful than ever. Additionally, the pantry was fortunate to receive several large donations from businesses and community organizations such as Chevron Richmond Refinery, Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, BP, Richmond Yacht Club, and Bayer. These larger donations couldn’t have come at a better time. The cost of food, rent and insurance went up significantly and there is nothing to indicate they will not continue to rise.
2011 will keep us busy trying to build more partnerships for funding the needs of our clients. Let me end by saying how very fortunate we are to have such a dedicated group of people who keep the pantry running week after week. Our volunteers truly are what make the pantry the awesome community service organization it is.
Co-Chairs, Robin Winton and Joan Haber