SAUGUS — The First Congregational Church – UCC is currently collecting food for the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry.
“This is a way for people to really connect with what Christmas is about. It’s not about stuff, it’s about giving to others,” Rev. Bill Ladd said.
This year, the church decided to do something a little different than previous years. The idea came from Deacon John Gilmore, who suggested the church host the drive from November to December and turn it into a fall food drive instead of just a Thanksgiving or Christmas food drive.
“People have been able to drill down what it means to have plenty and what it means to walk with gratitude and humility. We try to do that every day, and everyone is super generous,” Ladd said.
Saugus United Parish Food Pantry was founded by the churches of Saugus to help feed their local community.
“They’re only open on Fridays, so we have to front-load all our donations. One of our deacons and her husband always give, and they pick up and deliver. It just makes such a big difference in people’s lives, especially young people who can’t learn if they’re hungry,” he said.
He said many people are hungry and need help, and the church is able to provide that.
“I’m going grocery shopping tomorrow because it’s my day off. I’ll bring a whole bunch of stuff. I’m the luckiest pastor in the world. I’ve got a great church, wonderful people. I am blessed to have my health, my dogs and my family. I don’t really need a whole lot of stuff,” Ladd said.
He said the drive was not rocket science or reinventing the wheel and he hopes more people see that and start to give back to the community.
“We are giving gifts of food and love. I know food isn’t love, but in this case it is and it’s really cool because you don’t know where that food is going to go and who it’s going to change,” Ladd said.
To receive food from the drive you can go to Saugus United Food Pantry on 50 Essex St. from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Donations are accepted directly at the pantry from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. You can also leave donations at the church. If no one is present, Ladd said donations can be left outside the door and they’ll be picked up and brought in as soon as possible.
