PICTURED FROM THE left: Jana Gimenez, Executive Director, The Food Drive and Craig Zecchino, Assistant Vice President and Melrose Branch Manager, Cambridge Savings Bank. (Cambridge Savings Bank Photo)
MELROSE — Cambridge Savings Bank (CSB), a full-service mutual bank with a customer-first approach and nearly $7 billion in assets, is the newest host in the ongoing Community Donation Bin program run by The Food Drive, a hunger relief and food rescue nonprofit based in Melrose. The branch is kicking off its new food collection location with a Healthy Breakfast Food Drive, gathering items that The Food Drive will deliver to Pantry of Hope at First Baptist Church and A Servant’s Heart Food Pantry at Faith Evangelical Church.
The Food Drive’s Community Donation Bins operate year-round with the primary goal of stocking the shelves of the two Melrose food pantries. Donations of unopened, undamaged nonperishable items are welcomed including food and personal care items. In addition, The Food Drive works closely with the pantries to fill specific needs and enlists community support for donations of targeted items. A versatile source of nutrition, shelf-stable milk a highly sought-after item at food pantries as are the fiber-filled, low-sugar cereals that provide a healthy breakfast. In 2022 and 2023, the community donated over 20,000 pounds of food through this program.
Founded 190 years ago, CSB focuses its attention on supporting the non-profit and community programs that help enrich the neighborhoods they serve.
“One thing I know is that a piece of the culture in this branch is that we care. We are deeply invested in uplifting the individuals we serve and supporting our neighbors. That’s the most important part. I can teach anyone about banking, but compassion is what matters. Today and every day, we are committed to adding that value to our community in Melrose,” Said Craig Zecchino, Assistant Vice President and Melrose Branch Manager.
Following is a full list of The Food Drive’s Community Donation Bin hosts. All nonperishable items are welcome in these locations, in addition to specific food drive items: Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet, 538 Main St. Melrose; Buckalew’s General Store, 529 Main St. Melrose; Cambridge Savings Bank, 638 Main St. Melrose; Follow Your Art Community Studios, 647 Main St. Melrose; Starbucks Melrose, 521 Main St. Melrose; Starbucks Route 1 South, 855 Broadway, Saugus; Sweet Spot Bakery, 163 West Emerson St. Melrose; and The Goddard School, 248 Lynn Fells Parkway, Saugus.
