Whitman: 14-Year-old Raises $14,000 for Food Pantry

by | May 18, 2020 | News

Whitman: 14-year-old Raises $14,000 for Food Pantry

A 14-year-old Whitman resident had a creative idea to support the local food pantry and bring the community together.

Claire LaMattina is selling Whitman Strong lawn signs. So far she’s raised more than $14,000.

She joined WATD’s Kevin Tocci on “Monday Night Talk,” to discuss the fundraiser.

“It was just so heartwarming to see the community all come together, want to help a great cause, and support others in our community,” said LaMattina. “It just felt so amazing.”

LaMattina came up with the idea during Easter dinner. She thought about the less fortunate, and those who needed help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I really wanted to help the food pantry by raising money for them so that more families in town could get the food that they needed,” said LaMattina.

Her mother, Michelle LaMattina, got choked up describing the community support. What started as a simple gesture quickly caught on.

“We had a lot of people that gave a lot more than $15 because they didn’t know how to get to the food pantry to give money or help with something,” said Michelle LaMattina. “This was a great outlet and a great idea.”

The design was simple, but unifying. Whitman Strong for the community coming together. A heart for doctors, nurses, and essential workers. The panther paw in the center is the Whitman-Hanson High School mascot, a personal touch suggested by her father, Randy.  

“It’s for the food pantry, and because of COVID-19, a lot of people are waking up every day in positions they may have never thought they would find themselves in,” said Randy LaMattina. “What the food pantry’s main message is: there is no stigma behind going there. The town has contributed, they have stepped up, and no family should be going hungry. They’re open. If you need food, if you need service, you need to call them.”

Claire says similar fundraisers have started in Abington and East Bridgewater.

“I feel like because it inspired other people to do it, it’s going to help so many more people,” said Claire LaMattina.

The Whitman Food Pantry can be reached at 781-447-8560. 

Donations can be made on Venmo: @Whitman-Strong.

Follow Whitman Strong on Facebook

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