Hometown Bank exemplifies neighbors helping neighbors

Photo caption: Representatives from area food pantries and Hometown Bank branch managers stand with Matthew S. Sosik, the bank's president and CEO at the Neighbors Helping Neighbors check presentation reception last week. From left, Sharon Dimopoulos, Webster branch manager; Sally d'Arcangelo, executive director of Auburn Youth & Family Services; Tina Puzo, Auburn branch; Ed Wentland of Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Webster; John Kneeland of the Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf; Matt Sosik; Donna Jarvis of WHEAT Community Services Food Pantry of Leicester; Denise Fernald, S. Lancaster branch; Elliot Higgins of the Athol Salvation Army Emergency Food Pantry; Cheryl Bosse, Athol branch; and Karla Christiansen, Oxford branch.

OXFORD - “This bank is the best,” said Ed Wentland, a volunteer at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry of Webster. He was complimenting Oxford-based Hometown Bank, which had just presented his organization and five other area food pantries with checks totaling $13,200.

This was the 9^th Annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors event for the bank, which has raised nearly $50,000 for food pantries since the program began. This year's $13,200 exceeded last year's $10,000, which was a good thing, since every one of the food pantries said their need was greater this year  than last year as well.

The recipients of the program were chosen by the branch managers of the six Hometown Bank locations, who along with bank CEO Matthew S. Sosik hosted a holiday reception for representatives of the charities last week.

Ed Wentland was there for St. Vincent de Paul, a temporary relief organization which assists families in Webster and Dudley with rent, utilities, fuel, and prescriptions, as well as food. Ed has been a volunteer with the organization for eight years. “We work with people on an individual level, we sit down with them to figure out what they need,” he said. “We might get on the phone with the electric company, for example. We might go over their finances to set up a budget. The objective is to help them help themselves.” 

St. Vincent de Paul differs from conventional food pantries in that they deliver the food.  They have eight volunteer teams of two or three members each who will go out day or night to assist families. They get about 40 calls a week at this time of year. “It can be difficult at times, going up a couple of flights of stairs,” said Ed, though not complaining.

Last week they also gave Christmas gifts to 300 local children.

St. Vincent de Paul relies completely on donations. Unlike most food pantries, they do not get any assistance from the state or from regional food banks. Local churches, banks, and businesses run food drives and make monetary donations; the United Way provides the fuel assistance.

The Society works out of  the Sacred Heart Church in Webster. To make a donation or to request assistance, call the church office to be connected to St. Vincent de Paul.  

Joanne Nelson and  John Kneeland accepted Hometown Bank's check for the Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf. The Food Shelf is operated by eight of Oxford's churches and is located in the lower level of the Community Center at 4 Maple Ave. Joanne has been an ecumenical member of the council for 17 years, and John, who is the chairman, has worked with the Food Shelf since 2000.  

Joanne and John told us that they've seen an increase in the number of families needing food assistance this year, while at the same time there has been a drop off in donations.

“They say the economy is getting better,” said John. “But I don't know where. I don't see it here.”

Last year the Food Shelf spent $37,000 for food but took in only $30,000. They made up the difference with some existing financial resources. This year they are being forced to cut back assistance to about $30,000, as there will again be a shortfall.

In order to stretch the food assistance to as many people as possible, the Shelf has stopped purchasing paper products and toiletries. They will provide the items when they are donated, but will not buy them anymore because of their high cost.

The Oxford Food Shelf is available for all those who need it: Oxford residents and registered members of an Oxford church. John said that they feed about 50 families a week. He has seen more families come in, especially singles with kids, and those who have lost their jobs.

The Food Shelf is one of the few food pantries where people can choose what they want, much as in a store. John emphasized the organization is more than just about food. The staff speaks with the clients and learns about their problems.

The Food Shelf is a non-profit and does not receive any federal or state funding. It is entirely supported by local churches, organizations, businesses and individuals.

John will continue to visit companies and businesses to ask for support for the Food Shelf, hoping to close the donations gap. Programs such as Hometown's Neighbors Helping Neighbors program helps do that.

Joe Klimavich, Hometown's Vice President of Communication, explained the program. In November the bank starts asking its customers to make a contribution: $1 to be a Hometown Hero, or $5 to be a Superhero. They also mail requests for donations to their business customers. Hometown Bank then matches all the donations. This year they raised $6,600 from customers, bringing the matched total to $13,200 for distribution in the towns where they have branches: Oxford, Webster, Auburn, Athol, South Lancaster, and Sturbridge.

The food pantries reminded us that it's never too late to donate, and the need exists all year long.       

Photo caption: Representatives from area food pantries and Hometown Bank branch managers stand with Matthew S. Sosik, the bank's president and CEO at the Neighbors Helping Neighbors check presentation reception last week. From left, Sharon Dimopoulos, Webster branch manager; Sally d'Arcangelo, executive director of Auburn Youth & Family Services; Tina Puzo, Auburn branch; Ed Wentland of Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Webster; John Kneeland of the Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf; Matt Sosik; Donna Jarvis of WHEAT Community Services Food Pantry of Leicester; Denise Fernald, S. Lancaster branch; Elliot Higgins of the Athol Salvation Army Emergency Food Pantry; Cheryl Bosse, Athol branch; and Karla Christiansen, Oxford branch.