August 11, 2026 Newsletter
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Providing Dog and Cat Food to our Guests
Carol (Founder), Leslie (head of Pet Fund), Nancy, Molly and Deirdre (Pantry volunteers)
The Greater Newbury Elder Pet Fund and a team of volunteers organize and package donated and purchased pet food and supplies for distribution. Then, when pantry guests place their weekly orders for their own food, they can also order food and other items for their cats and dogs. The volunteer team includes Leslie (who heads the Greater Newbury Elder Pet Fund), Carol, Deirdre, Molly and Nancy. Every Thursday they are on site to get the pet food organized for Friday distribution. Then on Fridays they help shoppers select the correct items for guests.
The Greater Newbury Elder Pet Fund was formed in 2013 when the local Animal Control Officer, Carol Larocque, recognized that elderly pet owners were often forced to choose between their own needs and the needs of their furry companions. Carol often dug into her own pocket to provide funds for pet owners in need. As word spread of Carol's personal generosity, donors stepped forward to help and the Greater Newbury Elder Pet Fund was officially created under the First Presbyterian Church of Newburyport as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 2015. Today the program responds to 175-200 pet food requests per week and subsidizes over $10,000 in non-routine veterinary expenses. If you would like to help by providing dog or cat food or financial support, go to newburyelderpetfund.org.
Monthly Update
July was another testament to the dedication and teamwork of our volunteers. Together, we picked and packed 5,998 bags of much needed food, filling 1,234 orders feeding 2,738 family members. Our drivers delivered 754 orders to households who have transportation issues. We were fortunate to receive 12,807 lbs. of donated food which was checked, sorted and stocked on the shelves. Of the 47,009 pounds of food we received in July, 27% was donated and 61% came from the Greater Boston Food Bank. The remaining 12% was purchased from local stores.
While we can all be proud of what we have accomplished, it is inspiring to see the welcoming and friendly environment that our volunteers create every week due to the friendship, camaraderie and goodwill they bring to our mission of addressing food insecurity among our neighbors. We are grateful for all that our volunteers and supporters do, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community together.
Longtime Volunteer Receives Community Award
Following a 29-year career as a federal employee, Sue Coppinger has dedicated her retirement to serving the community. Since joining the Newburyport Lions Club in 2019, she has chaired community food drives, coordinated Salvation Army Thursday dinners, advised the Newburyport High School Leo Club, co-chaired the Lions Health Fair, and volunteered at the Yankee Homecoming Bed Races.
Since 2020, she has also volunteered at the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry and serves as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Ann's Parish in West Newbury. Her unwavering commitment to service continues to make a meaningful difference throughout the Greater Newburyport community.
Sue lives in Newburyport with her husband, Mike. They have three great-grandchildren she adores.
Rubbish to Runway Fundraiser
On June 26 & 27, Veasey Memorial Park, Groveland, MA hosted a creative and inspiring fundraiser that turned everyday "trash" into incredible works of art at their Rubbish to Runway event.
We were thrilled to see our own Newbury Food Pantry materials take center stage! Early Friday setup volunteer Nancy Montello collected trash and recycling materials from the pantry over the past year, which her daughter transformed into four unique runway outfits. Nancy's grandchildren also joined the fun as models, showcasing the creativity and importance of rethinking what we throw away.
The pantry was proudly recognized during the runway presentation and featured on a display highlighting the materials used in these one-of-a-kind designs.
A huge thank you to Nancy, her family, and everyone who helped bring this amazing vision to life while reminding us that small actions can make a big impact.
Yankee Homecoming Know Your Community Fair
For the sixth year in a row, the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry staffed a table at the Yankee Homecoming Know Your Community Fair. Sixty organizations were present. Traffic was steady with community members asking how they could get food for friends in need and how they could volunteer. Others just stopped by to catch up with a friend or grab some chocolate – generously donated by Lindt. Visitors were greeted by Pantry volunteers, Mimi, Sue and Wanda (pictured).
Reminder: Friday, August 14 at 4pm until dusk!
21st Annual Byfield Cruise Night
Scores of vintage vehicles will be on view at Central Street Fields
Please join us there for fun and refreshments!
Proceeds go the the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry.
As you identify clothing and household items for donation, please consider dropping them off at The Lighthouse Thrift Store, Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00-10:00am, at 126 Bridge Road, Salisbury. Your donation of items supports us and other social service organizations in the area.
Click on the link below for more information.
https://lighthousethrift.org/ways-to-support
LORETTA FUNDRAISER
Wednesday August 12, 2026 starting at 5PM
Our Loretta fundraiser continues... Wednesday, August 12. Starting at 5 pm, Loretta will donate part of the proceeds to the Pantry. Plan on dinner out (take out or eat in). You'll see a lot of familiar faces as the community turns out to support our work. We suggest that you make reservations in advance.
FOOD DONATIONS
We accept food donations every Thursday from 9:30 am -1 pm. If you are not able to drop off at that time, please contact us at info@newburyfoodpantry.org or call 978-358-1077 to arrange another time. You can also drop off donations in the lobby of the Newbury Police Department 24 hours/day.
Our most requested items include Coffee, Tea, Flour, Sugar, Baking Mixes, Cereals, Jello and Pudding Mixes, Jelly, Canned Ham, Spam, Broths, and Toilet Paper.