NORWICH — Theresa Donatelli has been volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul Place since 2012, when she served both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to some of the area’s neediest families.
Donatelli, like many who donate to St. Vincent’s food pantry or help serve meals, always felt a strong desire to give back to the community.
"Like me, I think many people would be very surprised at just how many of our neighbors struggle to put food on their tables; and that need is increasing rapidly," she said. "My mother grew up in Norwich and at times during her childhood, her family struggled, and she never forgot that; I'm happy to be part of the community in Norwich to honor her memory.
"Each of us can understand and relate to having a difficult time making ends meet."
Donatelli helped organize a food drive for Souper Bowl of Caring that will take place between Jan. 29 and Feb. 4 to coincide with Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4. Souper Bowl of Caring is a national campaign to help young people develop a stronger connection to their community as they collect food and raise money.
The weeklong drive includes opportunities to form a team and collect at school, church, in a neighborhood or Super Bowl party, send donations directly to St. Vincent de Paul Place’s website or participate in filling a truck with donations on Feb. 3 in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Lisbon.
Donation boxes will also be set up at the Stop & Shop in Norwich.
"On average we distribute food from our pantry to 750 individuals each week," Donatelli said. "Families come from 22 different towns. When we look at the yearly numbers, we find that 30 percent of food pantry patrons come only once a year. When they have hit a rough patch, they come. They do not abuse the generosity of our donors."
Jillian Corbin, the executive director of St. Vincent de Paul Place, said the food drive comes at a perfect time when food banks often see a decrease in donations following the holiday season.
"Traditionally during the holidays, our food donations go up as people are thinking about their community and how they can help out," Corbin said. "After the holidays, food donations tend to slowly dwindle off, but the need does continue. During the winter, especially with the extreme cold weather that we have been experiencing, people tend to stay in their homes and are not as likely to think of donating food to food pantries or running events to benefit them.
"The Souper Bowl of Caring reminds people of the continued need to help others in our community who experience hunger and it ties it together with a great national sporting event."
In 2017, St. Vincent de Paul Place distributed more than 500,000 meals through its food pantry and dining room, and the numbers of adults and children in need has been steadily increasing.
Corbin said 250 families visit the food pantry weekly. Along with other staple food items, the pantry offers a can of soup to each of the different people who are in need.
"Sometimes, people may need a little help," Donatelli said. "St. Vincent de Paul Place gives that help in a way that offers hope with both dignity and respect."