To the Editor:

As we head into Hunger Action Month, the Church & Community Program Board of Representatives and I would like to thank everyone who helps us feed neighbors in need. Your generosity is outstanding, and we appreciate it very much. Thank you.

Even as New York shut down during the early days of the pandemic, the community made the effort to donate to CCP. Food, money, masks, and hand sanitizer all regularly appeared at our doorway. People working from home chose to spend their newfound free time volunteering with us. The flow of food from St. Mary’s annual collection during Lent never slowed.

When we had to close our Second Chance Thrift Shop to protect our volunteers and customers from the virus, friends took up a collection to help pay our rent. Your kindness at times nearly brought us to tears. Again, we can’t say thank you enough.

After an unexpected but long-awaited opportunity appeared, we’re happily settling in at a beautiful new home at 30 Court St., in the former Freihofer Bread Outlet Store. The move brought our clothing shop and pantry more usable, open space, great parking, and visibility. We could not have gotten to this point without steadfast support from the community and local businesses. We hope you’ll share our excitement and delight about this new home.

We’d hoped to celebrate with a big splash but necessary precautions against the virus prevent big gatherings. You’ll be hearing updates about CCP through your churches, though. We’re also planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony for 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, when we’ll present our two annual awards for people/businesses who have especially helped us.

We’ll recognize Alex Boak and Bryan Parker of Moved in Moving, for their gift of labor in moving us, and Joel Howie, who has used his Canton Apples refrigerator trailers to assist on numerous occasions this summer when food was being distributed in our community.

Connie Jenkins

Director, Church & Community Program, Canton