To The Editor:
A Food Pantry opened in Verona on Saturday, April 23. Designed to serve those in Verona and surrounding communities, the opening day affirmed that there is a need for this ministry. We are thankful to all who have volunteered so far, have signed up for future volunteer spots, and most especially to the many individuals and organizations that have collected non-perishable food items for this effort.
Through a continued emphasis on growing relationships (with our shoppers, volunteers, the Township, God and each other), I know this pantry can continue to provide assistance to those in need. We learned a lot from our first day, and are working to make adjustments (based on input from both shoppers and volunteers) to allow an even larger number of people to experience the energy in our lower level that first day. As it has been said, “success is never final.”
Having grown up in Verona, I am most inspired by the community’s level of commitment to this ministry. My prayer is that any family that has a need for food assistance is able to find their way to us. We will continue to be open on the 4th Saturday of the month. We are very sensitive to people’s privacy and will do whatever we can to ensure anonymity of shoppers.
I am proud to be one of the clergy leaders in this town. Go Hillbillies (and Panthers)!
For more information on the pantry, visit www.holyspiritverona.org/food-pantry.
Respectfully,
the Rev. Jerry A. Racioppi, Rector
Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, Verona
