Bolinsky & Foncello Food Drive Collects Generous Donations for FAITH Food Pantry

NEWTOWN, CT – State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Martin Foncello are hailing the success of a recent community food drive benefiting the FAITH Food Pantry, thanking the residents of Newtown for coming together to support neighbors in need.

The food drive generated a substantial collection of nonperishable food items, diapers, personal care items and cleaning supplies for the pantry's community, along with nearly $150 in cash donations and $50 in Big Y gift cards. The monetary donations will help FAITH Food Pantry staff purchase additional supplies of the most needed goods for local families facing food insecurity.

“This was exactly what we hoped would happen when we organized this food drive – neighbors helping neighbors,” said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky. “The generosity of the Newtown community was tremendous. People stopped by, donated what they could, and took the time to thank us for giving them an opportunity to help. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed.”

 Foncello echoed Bolinsky’s appreciation for the community response.

 “Marty and I wanted to put together something simple that could make a real difference for people in our community,” said Bolinsky. “The response showed once again that when Newtown comes together, we can accomplish a lot.”

Throughout the event, community members also took the opportunity to speak with Rep. Bolinsky and thank him for his continued involvement in the community.

Several residents specifically praised Bolinsky for his willingness to put politics aside and remain focused on serving the Newtown community.

“I am a member of this community first, and I want people to know that I am always willing to roll up my sleeves, work with my neighbors and help wherever I can. There are times when we may disagree politically, but helping a neighbor is something we can all agree on.”

Foncello said the success of the food drive demonstrated the strength of the Newtown community.

“We are extremely proud of the response,” said Foncello. “The food, cash and gift-card donations will go directly toward helping people in our community. Most importantly, it showed what can happen when people come together with a common goal.” 

Bolinsky and Foncello thanked everyone who donated, volunteered, or stopped by the food drive, as well as FAITH Food Pantry for its continued work helping local families.

After the event, Bolinsky packed his SUV with the donations and delivered them down the street to FAITH Food Pantry.

“We are grateful to everyone who helped make this food drive such a success, and we hope we can continue finding ways to give back to the community we are proud to call home,” said Rep. Bolinsky.