SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) — Across the Pioneer Valley, residents running their usual Saturday errands had the opportunity to give back to their community.

“So if you come by to see our shelves, they are currently empty. That’s why we are doing a food drive here,” Mary Cassidy said.

By donating food you can make a big contribution to the Community Survival Center.

“Oh man, in the last month we’ve had 34 new visitors to our pantry, people who had never used pantry services anywhere before,” Cassidy added.

Mary Cassidy, executive director of the Community Survival Center, and her team of volunteers are asking you to help your neighbor.

On Saturday, they spent hours handing out leaflets in hopes of filling shopping carts outside two Stop-and-Shops in Springfield, as well as Ludlow Staple and Randall’s Farm.

“So far, on my side, because we’re on both sides, I have two shopping carts full of cans, pasta, peanut butter, tuna, canned chicken, one lady even brought a piece of Butterfinger candy, she said people need a sweet treat. She’s absolutely right,” Cassidy explained.

The treat just got sweeter, the food that fills countless bellies might as well get a new shirt to cover it up.

Planet Aid has partnered with the center to raise awareness of its own clothing collection.

“The state of Massachusetts passed a textile ban last year, banning clothing and shoes from being sent to landfills. So we’re here to help reinforce the recycling efforts of many cities and states in Massachusetts. We just want to keep this stuff out of the landfills,” noted Amie Trombley.

Even if you didn’t make it to Saturday’s event, you can drive to the Survival Center on Main Street in Indian Orchard and donate there any time of the year.

“We’re always looking for chunky canned soups because they make a nice meal, canned ham and a can of Spam,” Cassidy said.

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