The Franklin Food Pantry is excited to announce Food Elves 2022. This year the Franklin Food Elves “12 Days of Donating” Campaign marks 17 years of helping neighbors in need during the holiday season and beyond. Between December 1 through 12, the neighborhood collection by local middle and high school students serves as the largest fundraiser for The Franklin Food Pantry. In 2021, the Food Elves collected over $95,000 and we are excited to see what they accomplish this year!  

The Elves collect monetary donations only for The Pantry. With several food and fund drives underway, the Pantry is quickly filling up its small warehouse. The Pantry uses monetary donations to purchase chicken, beef and other meats, dairy products, eggs, fresh vegetables, and fruits at a deep discount from the Greater Boston Food Bank at a time when the need for those items is highest. With food prices increasing nationally by 13.1% and locally by 10.9% this year, it’s more expensive than ever to serve our neighbors in need. 

“Our amazing community is highly involved at this time of year, collecting food for the Pantry and educating their neighbors about food insecurity,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director for the Franklin Food Pantry. “We are grateful for the bountiful donations of food we receive. But, after the holidays, when end-of-year giving naturally subsides and food drives lessen, monetary donations help us continue to meet the increasing need through the leaner months that follow.” 

“Our Food Elves are amazing students who are dedicated to giving back to the community. We appreciate their commitment and hard work as well as the tireless efforts of our district parents. Special thanks to Colleen Bond, Lisa Frankina, Deb Morandi, Denise Flynn Wright, Kathleen McGuigan, Laurie Cain and Kristen DeMayo.”  

The Food Elves distribute flyers about their donation drive and our signature purple envelopes in their neighborhoods. Their flyers direct community members about how to donate. Donations can be made in two ways: through a check donation that the Elves will pick up personally; or through each Elf’s own online personal campaign page. Each Elf sets their own fundraising goal and will be able to keep track of how much they personally raise. Students will receive 12 community service hours for in-person fundraising and 10 hours for online only fundraising.  

Althought the deadline has passed for this year, students get more information about signing up at  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/franklin-food-elves/

If an Elf doesn’t visit your neighborhood, you can donate to the general page at https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=51.