Several members of Hopkinton Rotary rescued 1,000s of pita bread pockets from destruction on Monday and Tuesday of this week (April 13 + 14) for distribution to food pantries and agencies throughout Merrimack County. Joseph’s Middle East Bakery, a national manufacturer, donated over four pallets of pita pockets.
Business consultant, and long-time Hopkinton Rotarian, Dave Feller gathered a crew of fellow Rotarians and business colleagues to mount the “rescue” effort. Four pallets containing over 200 cases in total were picked up from the manufacturer and routed to Agile Magnetics in Concord and two sites in Hopkinton where volunteers opened and repacked packages into unlabeled cartons for delivery. The Capital Regional Food Program, a private not-for-profit, all volunteer organization, distributed about half of this product to 19 different local organizations. The Community Action Program - Belnap-Merrimack Counties received a large share for its network with additional deliveries directly to the Hopkinton, Warner, and Kearsarge food pantries. Several cartons were also donated to Dimitris Pizza Restaurant to help with preparation of the free meals they have been making and delivering to the residents of senior housing in Contoocook.
“I am so proud of the quick response I received when I reached out to my friends and Rotarians for help salvaging this product,” said Dave Feller. “I work with many food manufacturers, and there is a huge opportunity here for future salvage efforts just like this one.”
Hopkinton Rotary extends its sincere thanks to Agile Magnetics for a generous donation of boxes and supplies for repackaging, Bartlett Tree Services for use of its box truck, and Peter Hayden of the Capital Regional Food Program. Hopkinton Rotary President Debbie Norris said, “Dave Feller is always thinking of ways that Rotary can make a difference. I’m grateful to Dave for his efforts and for the efforts of the many caring individuals who stepped forward.” Project Pita volunteers were Mike Foley, Ben Barton, Jeff Donohoe, Kathy Donohoe, Frank Grano, Sarah Hoffman, Gayle Kimball, Debbie Norris, Mike Norris, and Ken Traum.
From left to right: Debbie Norris, Ben Barton, Mike Norris, Dave Feller, and Ken Traum.
Sandy Bartlett was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Hopkinton Rotary on Saturday, June 27, 20020 in honor of her retirement. Sandy has been cooking breakfasts for Rotary since its earliest days, and in her 23 years, earned her reputation as a great cook. Sandy has been a valuable asset, and a valued colleague.
