The Pembroke Firehouse Food Pantry serves over 700 households, but has not been able to regularly fundraise due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a vendor/craft fair will be taking place at the Pembroke Knights of Columbus, with all proceeds going to the Firehouse Food Pantry.
Maddie Block is the co-chair of fundraising, and says people can get a jump start on holiday shopping.
“Our craft fair will have 55 vendors, local artisans, crafters, we’ll have everything from tupperware to homemade soap, homemade cookies, to farmhouse decorations,” said Block. “Croqueted items, there’s a person that makes homemade salts and seasoning.”
In addition, there will be Christmas ornaments and wreaths for sale.
Co-chair Julie Caruso says they’ll even be auctioning off a Bruins jersey autographed by Ray Bourque. They’ll have gas grills, gift cards, and much more.
The food pantry partners with the Greater Boston Food Bank, and is open to Pembroke residents.
“A lot of things from them we have to purchase, sometimes we have to supplement what they don’t offer. Just general operational funding, we haven’t had a fundraiser in a few years because of COVID,” said Caruso. “We’re hoping to make a big splash.”
The Firehouse Food Pantry recently expanded to include walk-in fridges and freezers.
Both Caruso and Block say the community support has been tremendous through the pandemic. People have held food drives, Halloween parties to collect cans, along with donations at both Stop & Shop locations in town.
It’s all to make the market a special place.
“Just helping people, I’ve been in a situation myself, so I understand,” said Block. “It’s very humbling to walk through the door and ask for food. Sometimes you have to do it, and there is absolutely no shame here.”
“The people are just so appreciative,” said Caruso. “We’re a no-judge zone. Everyone comes in and we greet them warmly, they greet us warmly, and we become friends.”
More information can be found on the Pembroke Firehouse Food Pantry Facebook page.