February E-newsletter   In This Issue What is next Volunteers Let TD Bank nake a donation for you Quick Links Visit our website Donate Now facebook December was a mad dash with both the turkey and the toys programs underway. We are proud to say that we provided toys/gifts to 776 children ages infant through 14. We could not do this with the support of many people including Glenn & Rebecca Armbruster, The Griffin Family led by Lisa Griffin, The Cape Cod Corvette Club, The Garden Club of Harwich, Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Banks, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, Benson Young & Downes Insurance and Cape Commonwealth Associates.  We also are very grateful for the support of the many volunteers who help with sign ups, sorting, shopping and distribution day.  They are led by the infamous Christmas Queens, Jeanette Lynch & Joyce Simonis aka Thelma and Louise.   Thelma and Louise! Bikes from the Armbrusters!   That Was The Year That Was!   2011 came in like a lamb and went out like a lion! During the first half of the year we were experiencing modest growth (4-5%) and then in August more and more people were seeking our help.  The months of August through December grew 20% compared to the same months last year.  In 2010 we started a new shift on Thursday evenings to help with the demand for our services and in 2011 we found we needed to add yet even more open hours. We now are open on Tuesdays from 10AM to 3:30 and we may need to add more hours later this year!   Our average for 2011 was 999 housholds each month which is over 3000 people.  This is a 12% increase over 2010 and a 60% increase over 2005.   Increased clients and demand for services require site modifications   In the past six years the Family Pantry of Cape Cod experienced the following changes: An increase in the number of people needing Family Pantry services from an average of 500-600 clients each month to just under 1,000 Volunteers grew from 100 to over 300 Adding Food Stamp Applications and Fuel Assistance Applications as core services Hiring two part time employees, an Assistant Director & a Warehouse Supervisor to better manage the business Expanding food choices by regularly offering frozen meats and fresh produce in addition to canned and packaged food Creating a thrift shop to augment pantry revenues and help pay for increased services Planting production garden to provide more fresh vegetables and fruits to our clients Based on this growth the Board of Directors is making changes to the interior of the building.  The renovation was designed by  Mary-Ann Agresti AIA principal architect of The Design Initiative in Hyannis. Mary-Ann donated her time and worked very closely with the pantry to create an excellent design for the growing pantry business.   George Morris in action!   Rick Roy Construction was selected to construct the new design in part because he clearly understood our goals and presented a very thorough plan to work in stages so that we stay open with no gaps in services throughout the construction process. Since 1995 Rick Roy Construction has established a reputation on Cape Cod for building quality custom homes, remodeling, restoration and commercial construction. The reconfiguration provides: Increased space and better flow in the food distribution and clothing distribution area Increased space in the clothing sorting area to help keep thrift shop and pantry boutique stocked appropriately A private area to conduct initial client interviews and process food stamp and fuel assistance applications in a dignified and confidential manner A multi-purpose room for new services such as cooking demonstrations and nutrition classes, managing the gift card program, client and volunteer activities and training, management of holiday programs, and committee and Board meetings A handicapped accessible bathroom. The Family Pantry of Cape Cod has always served people well and these changes will allow it to do so more efficiently and afford more dignity for the clients.       Volunteers needed  We are always looking for volunteers and would love to hear from anyone who has a few  hours to spare. Patty Watson, the Assistant Director, does an excellent job matching people's interests and skills with our openings. We do accommodate snow birds and those who can work the off season but need the summer off. We have a huge calendar to track volunteers comings and goings and we are very flexible. We have several jobs in the following areas: Food distribution area helping clients with food choices  Clothing boutique sorting and displaying clothing & helping clients with selections  Warehouse receiving food, storage and stocking shelves Recycling center - sorting and packaging for redemption Computer work Thrift shop - steaming, ironing, pricing, arranging the stock Garden - planners right now but working gardeners in season  In addition we are looking for two volunteers with managerial skills to be the Team Leader for our Tuesday afternoon and Thursday Morning shifts.   We have a great team of 300 plus volunteers and they are lots of fun so I am sure you would enjoy joining us!     Contact Patty via pwatson@thefamilypantry.com or 508-432-6519 on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday              Sincerely,   Mary Anderson Executive Director The Family Pantry of Cape Cod  133 Queen Anne Road Harwich, MA 02645 508-432-6519 manderson@thefamilypantry.com

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