Eileen Nowak, director of Catholic Charities’ Department of Parish Outreach and Advocacy, sorts toiletries at the Russell J. Salvatore Food Pantry & Outreach in Lackawanna
SPECIAL TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES from the Office of Legislator John Gilmour
Erie County Legislator John Gilmour, in partnership with City of Lackawanna Mayor Annette Iafallo, will host a food and essential item drive Saturday, May 9, to support the Lackawanna community through the Catholic Charities Russell J. Salvatore Food Pantry and Outreach in Lackawanna.
“All areas of Erie County are struggling during this time of crisis,” stated Legislator Gilmour. “Food pantries all over are seeing an increase in demand due to unexpected layoffs and additional hardships that many families are facing. I’m happy to partner with the City of Lackawanna in making sure those who need help with essential items receive it.”
Mayor Iafallo added, “We are grateful to Legislator Gilmour for his efforts, and we look forward to a very successful event. We know that City of Lackawanna residents depend on our food pantry and there are even more who find themselves in great need only recently due to this pandemic. This is a great, safe way to show your support for our community if you are able.”
The mobile drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Veteran’s Stadium in Lackawanna, located at 2990 South Park Avenue. Donations of: nonperishable food items, cleaning supplies, paper products, toiletries, personal hygiene and disposable baby items are desperately needed.
Eileen Nowak, Parish Outreach and Advocacy department director, said, “A drive like this for these essential items is very much appreciated and critical at this time. Catholic Charities is very grateful to Legislator Gilmour and Mayor Iafallo, and especially to the community of Lackawanna for stepping up to help their neighbors who may be in greater need than ever. Catholic Charities’ nine food pantries have experienced a 25 to 30 percent increase in the number of people served since the pandemic began.”
The food pantry in Lackawanna is the largest of Catholic Charities’ nine food pantry and outreach centers in three counties, Erie (Central, East and South Buffalo, Getzville) , Cattaraugus (Franklinville) and Allegany (Wellsville). Each site also offers information and referrals. More information is available at ccwny.org/food.
For more information, please visit Legislator Gilmour’s event on Facebook (@legislatorgilmour) or call Diane Sauer in his district office at 716-649-2162. Additional questions about how you can support the Russell J. Salvatore Food Pantry at this time can be directed to Catholic Charities COVID-19 Helpline at 716-218-1419.
