WESTFIELD-As individuals across the area continue to help their neighbors while still exercising social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, one couple recently asked friends and family members to donate nonperishables for Easter baskets that will be distributed through the local Salvation Army office.
While the couple prefers to remain anonymous, Laurie Matthews, Salvation Army unit coordinator in Westfield, said they first reached out to her to collect food several years ago.
“The couple both work in the restaurant business and wanted to help feed the less fortunate,” said Matthews. “They wanted assurance that their collections would go to low-income families that really need it.”
Ten bags of food will be distributed to the Salvation Army Westfield unit – thanks to the generosity of local residents. (Submitted photo)
The couple recently posted on Facebook that their collection drive has ended and were able to donate 10 bags “very full” of food for Matthews to distribute to local families.
Matthews said the donations will be distributed to families in need and “previous clients” she knows are “continually struggling.”
Matthews thanked the couple for their ongoing efforts to support the local unit.
“Through the couple’s efforts last fall asking customers, friends and family for donations, they supplied over 62 full Thanksgiving meals, turkey and all the fixings, and at Christmas donated 93 hams and a full bag of sides to go with it,” said Matthews.
The couple feels fortunate to have so many donate through their ongoing Facebook efforts. They ended the Easter dinner collection early due to the rapid pace of the COVID-19 pandemic spreading across the area.
They acknowledged in an email to The Westfield News that they meet people all the time who want to help but aren’t sure of the best way to make their money count.
“Once people see how just $5 can really help, it’s almost infectious,” they said. “They want to be a part of making it bigger and bigger. We have spent countless hours at the stores and running around and don’t mind one bit.”
The couple now find themselves both unemployed due to the epidemic but knew they still needed to help others “because that’s what you do in times like this.”
Matthews echoed a similar sentiment.
“They truly have a heart of gold and a desire to help feed those less fortunate,” said Matthews.
For individuals or groups who would like to help the local Salvation Army Unit, call (413) 977-8759.
